Bipolar disorder is a type of mood disorder that causes fluctuations in your emotional state. You may experience times of depression and mania or hypomania. Signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder vary depending on your emotional state.

From the community: “So I told my therapist about the whole thing about the sex with tons of guys when I lived on my own, not because I like them, just because I liked the sex and I got a high off of it and felt awesome when I was doing it and about the shopping and how I would just feel so great when doing it and about the credit card issues my parents don't know about and the $6,000 that I had spent in a few months from my money from selling my house since being at home again. My therapist said it sounded like I was bipolar and wanted me to contact my psychiatrist and tell him what I told her. Well, I didn't until I was actually spending again and realized what I was doing and that I had to stop...” – Inspire member 

When do bipolar disorder symptoms occur?

Symptoms of bipolar disorder typically appear for the first time during the teenage years or early adulthood. The average age for the onset of the disorder is 25. This mental health disorder affects men and women equally. Other types of mental disorders are more common in childhood. However, it’s possible for a child to have bipolar disorder. 

What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?

You may have different symptoms depending on the mood state that you’re experiencing. These mood states and symptoms include:

• depressive episode

• manic episode

• hypomanic episode

• mixed features

Depressive episode

People with bipolar disorder are more likely to experience depressive episodes that are severe or major. This means that the depressed emotions last for at least two weeks. The symptoms can be debilitating, affecting your ability to do the most basic tasks like brush your teeth or even get out of bed. 

Signs of a depressive bipolar episode include:

• extreme fatigue or lethargy

• feeling sad, hopeless, or worthless

• lack of interest in activities and difficulty concentrating

• overeating and weight gain or undereating and weight loss

• physical health symptoms like chronic pain or stomach upset

• sleeping too much or not being able to sleep (insomnia)

• slowed speech 

• thoughts of death or suicide

Manic episode

Manic episodes are periods of high energy. You may be in great spirits, or you may be unusually irritable. When you truly have bipolar disorder, a manic episode lasts for at least one week. Untreated manic episodes can go on for three months or longer. 

During this time, you exhibit at least three of these behavioral changes:

• euphoric feelings like you’re on top of the world

• decreased need for sleep

• disorganized thinking or being easily distracted

• extreme irritability

• poor judgment or reckless behaviors like driving too fast or overspending

• psychosis, such as hallucinations (seeing things that aren’t there) or delusions (false beliefs about yourself or others)

• racing thoughts, talking too fast, or changing topics frequently 

• unrealistic beliefs in your abilities or powers

• unusual, increased sex drive

From the community: “I am 18 years old and have been struggling with anxiety and depression for the past year. I am in college now and I am in a psychology class. I have heard of bipolar before but it wasn’t until I learned about it in this class that I think I may have it or something similar.Here is why I think so; I go through periods of extreme joy and productivity and I really do get kind of hyper and overwhelmed with joy. I like to draw and paint so usually during these periods I get so many idea and get so excited to do them. The more joy I experience, the harder I crash. When I crash I either have a panic attack or get really really depressed and hopelesss. I haven’t been able to tell how long these “episodes” last to be honest. It isn’t as extreme or drastic as bipolar disorder is, so maybe I have a form of it?” –Inspire member

Hypomanic episode

Hypomania is not as severe or intense as mania. Episodes of hypomania are also shorter, lasting for about four consecutive days compared to a week-long manic episode. Less commonly, hypomanic periods last for several months.

A hypomanic episode causes symptoms similar to manic episodes — just less intense. You may have:

• decreased need for sleep 

• eagerness to share your numerous racing thoughts and ideas 

• extreme excitement, enthusiasm, and happiness

• impulsive and reckless behaviors

• inability to sit still or keep quiet 

• inflated ego or sense of self

• obsessive thoughts about a new activity or idea (yet still be easily distracted)

• unusually high levels of energy

Mixed features

Some people with bipolar disorder experience what’s known as mixed features (previously called mixed episodes). They may experience some depressive symptoms while having a manic episode or the reverse: manic symptoms during a depressive episode. In other words, symptoms of mania and depression occur at the same time. People with bipolar 1 disorder are more likely to experience mixed features.

How do you know if you have bipolar disorder?

Most of us have up and down days. You might have bipolar disorder if the symptoms persist for a set period of time and interfere with your relationships, job, and ability to enjoy life. For a bipolar disorder diagnosis, you’ll see a psychiatrist. This medical doctor specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders. Doctors refer to bipolar disorder criteria set forth by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). 

How do doctors treat bipolar disorder?

Treatments for bipolar disorder focus on easing symptoms so you can enjoy a better quality of life. Most people benefit from taking medications and participating in psychotherapy with a mental health professional.

Sources

• Expert Q&A: Bipolar disorder. American Psychiatric Association.

• What are bipolar disorders? American Psychiatric Association. January 2021.

• Bipolar disorder. Cleveland Clinic. April 2022.

• Hypomania. Cleveland Clinic. September 2021.

• Bipolar disorder. MedlinePlus. September 2021.

• Bipolar disorder. Mental Health America.

• Bipolar disorder. National Alliance on Mental Illness. August 2017.

• Any mood disorder. National Institute of Mental Health. 

• Bipolar disorder. National Institute of Mental Health. October 2018.

Disclaimer

Member comments are lightly edited for length and to remove identifying information but are otherwise reproduced as they appear in the community as part of public posts.

This content is for general informational purposes only and does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of any organization or individual. The content should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider about any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.