
5 Examples of Bipolar Manic Episodes
- Extreme Pleasure Seeking. A person who has bipolar might suddenly quit their job or engage in risky behaviors that bring them pleasure like seeking sex with multiple partners.
- Decreased Sleep. A person who is in the midst of a manic episode might have no need for a full night’s sleep. ...
- Racing Thoughts. ...
- Extremely Talkative. ...
- Inflated Self-Esteem. ...
What are the four types of bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a serious mental condition made up of the following four (4) subtypes: Bipolar I disorder - this type of bipolar disorder is characterized by cycles of mania lasting at least seven days, and appear with psychotic features, followed by periods of depression that usually last at least two weeks.. Bipolar II disorder - people with bipolar II don't experience mania.
What are the 7 signs of bipolar disorder?
- Thinking too fast (having a “racing mind”)
- Talking faster than usual
- Finding it hard to stay focused
- Appearing to be high, even without having taken drugs
- Acting impulsively, which can mean spending lots of money, engaging in reckless sexual activity, gambling excessively, or being argumentative
- Taking dangerous risks or getting into unsafe situations
What is the life expectancy for someone with bipolar disorder?
What is the life expectancy of a person with bipolar disorder? Researchers at Oxford University calculate that individuals with bipolar disorder have a longevity rate 9 20 years less than optimal. So if a populations average lifespan is 75, a person with bipolar disorder is expected to live between 55 and 66 years.
What are the common symptoms of bipolar disorder?
What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?
- Mania
- Hypomania. Hypomania is like mania but you will have milder symptoms.
- Depression
- Psychosis. Sometimes you can have psychotic symptoms during a severe episode of mania or depression. This means you may believe things that aren’t true.

What is a bipolar person like?
People with bipolar experience both episodes of severe depression and episodes of mania – overwhelming joy, excitement or happiness, huge energy, a reduced need for sleep, and reduced inhibitions. The experience of bipolar is uniquely personal. No two people have exactly the same experience.
What is the most common bipolar disorder?
Bipolar I disorder is the most common of the four types. Bipolar I involve one or more manic episodes, with or without depressive episodes occurring. The mania must be severe enough that hospitalization is required and lasts a week or longer.
What are the 3 main types of bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder can disrupt a person's relationships with loved ones and cause difficulty in working or going to school. Bipolar disorder is a category that includes three different diagnoses: bipolar I, bipolar II, and cyclothymic disorder.
How do you know someone has a bipolar disorder?
The main sign of bipolar disorder is extreme mood swings that go from emotional highs to emotional lows. Manic episodes cause people to seem very energetic, euphoric, or irritable. During depressive episodes, your loved one may seem sad, upset, or tired all the time.
How do bipolar people act?
Bipolar disorder can cause your mood to swing from an extreme high to an extreme low. Manic symptoms can include increased energy, excitement, impulsive behaviour, and agitation. Depressive symptoms can include lack of energy, feeling worthless, low self-esteem and suicidal thoughts.
What is bipolar disorder caused by?
Bipolar disorder is widely believed to be the result of chemical imbalances in the brain. The chemicals responsible for controlling the brain's functions are called neurotransmitters, and include noradrenaline, serotonin and dopamine.
What are the 4 stages of bipolar?
There are four types of mood episodes in bipolar disorder: mania, hypomania, depression, and mixed episodes.
Can bipolar be triggered?
Risk factors Factors that may increase the risk of developing bipolar disorder or act as a trigger for the first episode include: Having a first-degree relative, such as a parent or sibling, with bipolar disorder. Periods of high stress, such as the death of a loved one or other traumatic event. Drug or alcohol abuse.
Which is the most likely cause of bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is frequently inherited, with genetic factors accounting for approximately 80% of the cause of the condition. Bipolar disorder is the most likely psychiatric disorder to be passed down from family. If one parent has bipolar disorder, there's a 10% chance that their child will develop the illness.
Is there a test to see if you are bipolar?
There are no specific blood tests or brain scans to diagnose bipolar disorder. Even so, a doctor may perform a physical exam and order lab tests, including a thyroid function test and urine analyses. These tests can help determine if other conditions or factors could be causing your symptoms.
What are the early warning signs of bipolar disorder?
Bipolar patients have commonly reported increased activity, decreased need for sleep, and elevated mood as early warning signs of mania, and depressed mood, loss of energy, loss of interest in people or activities, impaired concentration, and thoughts of death as early warning signs for depression.
Is Bipolar 2 or 1 more common?
There is increasing evidence that the bipolar II subtype is at least as prevalent as bipolar I disorder [2] and is associated with substantial disability, comorbidity, mortality, and impact on quality of life, as recognized in the latest Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) [1, 3–6].
What are the top 3 bipolar symptoms?
Both a manic and a hypomanic episode include three or more of these symptoms:Abnormally upbeat, jumpy or wired.Increased activity, energy or agitation.Exaggerated sense of well-being and self-confidence (euphoria)Decreased need for sleep.Unusual talkativeness.Racing thoughts.Distractibility.More items...•
What are the top 5 bipolar signs?
Symptoms - Bipolar disorderfeeling sad, hopeless or irritable most of the time.lacking energy.difficulty concentrating and remembering things.loss of interest in everyday activities.feelings of emptiness or worthlessness.feelings of guilt and despair.feeling pessimistic about everything.self-doubt.More items...
Is Bipolar 1 or 2 more extreme?
Both Types Should Be Properly Treated. Since hypomania that occurs in bipolar II is less severe than the mania that occurs in bipolar I disorder, bipolar II is often described as "milder" than bipolar I—but this is not completely accurate.
How do the different types of bipolar disorder differ?
The types of bipolar disorder differ based on the type and intensity of the mood episodes.
How to manage bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a lifetime condition. It can be managed with a combination of medications, therapy, and a healthy lifestyle. You’ll be able to better handle bipolar disorder if you’re engaged in your treatment. Self-management means you actively try to avoid triggers and control the behaviors that you can.
What is cyclothymic disorder?
Cyclothymic disorder. This type causes numerous episodes of mild hypomania and mild depression that persist for at least two years. In cyclothymic disorder, symptoms don’t rise to the level of full-blown hypomania or major depression.
What does it mean when you are manic?
Someone in a manic episode may: Moods can shift rapidly from happiness to anger, sadness, or irritability during a manic episode. The symptoms are severe enough to cause problems at work or in one’s personal life. A person experiencing a manic episode may not know they are ill and may not want to seek treatment.
Can prednisone cause bipolar?
For example, recreational drugs like cocaine or phencyclidine (PCP) or medications such as prednisone can cause symptoms of a manic episode.
Is bipolar disorder more severe than manic?
This type causes manic and depressive symptoms. However, the symptoms are not much more severe than a person’s usual range of emotions and behaviors. People that have some but not all features of bipolar disorder may be given a diagnosis of bipolar disorder not otherwise specified.
Can bipolar disorder be sporadic?
This phenomenon is called a mixed state, or a mood episode with mixed features. Episodes may be sporadic, and there may not be any symptoms between episodes.
What are the different types of bipolar disorder?
There are several types of bipolar and related disorders. They may include mania or hypomania and depression. Symptoms can cause unpredictable changes in mood and behavior, resulting in significant distress and difficulty in life. Bipolar I disorder.
What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder, formerly called manic depression, is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). When you become depressed, you may feel sad or hopeless and lose interest or pleasure in most activities.
How to prevent bipolar disorder from getting worse?
If you've been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, some strategies can help prevent minor symptoms from becoming full-blown episodes of mania or depression: Pay attention to warning signs. Addressing symptoms early on can prevent episodes from getting worse.
How often do mood swings occur?
Episodes of mood swings may occur rarely or multiple times a year. While most people will experience some emotional symptoms between episodes, some may not experience any. Although bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, ...
What are the symptoms of manic and hypomanic?
Both a manic and a hypomanic episode include three or more of these symptoms: Abnormally upbeat, jumpy or wired. Increased activity, energy or agitation. Exaggerated sense of well-being and self-confidence (euphoria)
When is bipolar diagnosed?
Although bipolar disorder can occur at any age, typically it's diagnosed in the teenage years or early 20s. Symptoms can vary from person to person, and symptoms may vary over time.
What is a major depressive episode?
A major depressive episode includes symptoms that are severe enough to cause noticeable difficulty in day-to-day activities, such as work , school, social activities or relationships. An episode includes five or more of these symptoms:
What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?
Signs and Symptoms. People with bipolar disorder experience periods of unusually intense emotion, changes in sleep patterns and activity levels, and uncharacteristic behaviors —often without recognizing their likely harmful or undesirable effects. These distinct periods are called “mood episodes.”.
How to help someone with bipolar disorder?
Proper diagnosis and treatment can help people with bipolar disorder lead healthy and active lives. Talking with a doctor or other licensed health care provider is the first step. The health care provider can complete a physical exam and order necessary medical tests to rule out other conditions. The health care provider may then conduct a mental health evaluation or provide a referral to a trained mental health care provider, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or clinical social worker who has experience in diagnosing and treating bipolar disorder.
What is the best medication for bipolar disorder?
Medications generally used to treat bipolar disorder include mood stabilizers and second-generation (“atypical”) antipsychotics. Treatment plans may also include medications that target sleep or anxiety. Health care providers often prescribe antidepressant medication to treat depressive episodes in bipolar disorder, combining the antidepressant with a mood stabilizer to prevent triggering a manic episode.
How long does a manic period last?
Less severe manic periods are known as hypomanic episodes. Bipolar I Disorder— defined by manic episodes that last at least 7 days, or by manic symptoms that are so severe that the person needs immediate hospital care. Usually, depressive episodes occur as well, typically lasting at least 2 weeks.
What is bipolar 2?
Bipolar II Disorder— defined by a pattern of depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes, but not the full-blown manic episodes that are typical of Bipolar I Disorder.
Why is it important to take a medical history of bipolar disorder?
Taking a careful medical history is essential to ensure that bipolar disorder is not mistaken for major depression. This is especially important when treating an initial episode of depression as antidepressant medications can trigger a manic episode in people who have an increased chance of having bipolar disorder.
When does bipolar disorder start?
Bipolar disorder is typically diagnosed during late adolescence (teen years) or early adulthood. Occasionally, bipolar symptoms can appear in children. Bipolar disorder can also first appear during a woman’s pregnancy or following childbirth.
How to treat bipolar disorder?
Fortunately, bipolar disorder can be successfully treated through simultaneous techniques. Bipolar people should work with an experienced psychiatrist who can closely monitor and reduce medication levels in favor of traditional methods like visualization, lifestyle changes, group support and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
Why do people have depression?
Sometimes depression will be triggered by events, people and perceived failure. This could be anything from processed food to negative people to anxiety-provoking situations. People who experience depression often experience cognitive malfunctioning that overplays, over exaggerates and over stimulates the person. For example, a family emergency will naturally cause stress, but certain people may experience intense, sudden fear, confusion and helplessness. These people may be very sensitive when communicating with others because they fear bad news and reactions.
What does it feel like to be depressed?
People who feel depressed will be less interested in being with close friends and doing things that they usually enjoy. They may experience sleep problems, intense anxiety, chronic fatigue and random tears. They may experience physical aches and phantom pains. People who are depressed will probably neglect certain tasks and accomplish less at work and home. They are usually forgetful, lack focus and struggle to organize themselves. They will most likely withdraw from social interaction, avoid making phone calls and evade social functions.
Can bipolar people have seasonal affective disorder?
Some people who are bipolar may also suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD). During the summer they may experience normalcy with mild mania that can actually be quite enjoyable. During the nice weather, they may feel full of life and on top of the world, but once winter hits, they may experience drastic depressive episodes. People who suffer from SAD will experience symptoms like fatigue, avoidance and hopelessness. They will socially withdraw and avoid external activities like shopping, exercising and going to the movies. However, light therapy and talk therapy are quite useful in alleviating symptoms.
What are some examples of mania?
everything looks more colorful or scents are more intense) Examples of more individual warning signs of mania or hypomania include when the person changes their hair color more often, wears more make up or more seductive clothing. These signs are more unusual.
What are the signs of hypomania?
Can’t concentrate well or is easily distracted. Has increased self-confidence, self-importance or optimism. Has an elevated mood. Is agitated or restlessness. Thinks much more quickly or has racing thoughts. Other warning signs of hypomania or mania that have been reported include when the person:
How do you know if you have mania?
Warning signs of mania or hypomania. Common changes that may be warning signs of mania or hypomania include when the person: Sleeps less. Is more active or pursues more goals (has lots of energy) Is more sociable. Is irritable and impatient. Talks much more than usual or speaks very fast. Can’t concentrate well or is easily distracted.
What are the signs of depression?
The most common changes that may indicate warning signs of depression include when the person: Is less interested in doing things that they usual enjoy. Is less interested in being with close friends. Is anxious or worries a lot. Has sleep problems.
How do you know if you have depression?
Is tearful or sad. Other warning signs of depression include when the person: Is tired a lot. Neglects certain tasks and does less. Has physical aches and pains. Is more forgetful. Withdraws from social interaction.
What are some examples of warning signs?
Below are some examples of: Warning signs of mania or hypomania. Warning signs of depression. Warning signs of mixed episodes.
What are the main features of bipolar disorder?
The main features of bipolar disorder are mood episodes characterized by mania, hypomania, or depression, while delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thoughts and speech are key features of schizophrenia.
What is mood in bipolar disorder?
In bipolar disorder, mood-congruence or incongruence describes symptoms of psychosis that are in alignment or in conflict with a person’s mood state. When psychotic symptoms are present, it's important to determine whether they are mood-congruent or incongruent.
How to recognize mood congruent symptoms?
To recognize mood-congruent symptoms, it’s necessary to understand symptoms of mania and depression. Some symptoms of mania include periods of elevated mood, inflated sense of self, and grandiose thoughts. Depression can consist of prolonged sadness, withdrawal, or lack of pleasure in activities. Mood-congruent psychotic symptoms are delusions or hallucinations that are in alignment with the person’s mood.
What is the difference between mania and depressive episodes?
There is often a sense of grandiose or inflated sense of self-esteem with mania, while depressive episodes can involve sadness, powerlessness, guilt, shame, and other difficult emotions.
Can bipolar disorder be scary?
Psychotic symptoms that accompany bipolar disorder can be a frightening experience. Hallucinations and delusions can be jarring and significantly affect your quality of life.
Is bipolar disorder more mood congruent?
Research indicates psychotic symptoms in bipolar disorder as being more typically mood-congruent and lasting for shorter periods of time when compared to presentation in individuals with schizophrenia. 5
Is schizophrenia a psychotic disorder?
Psychotic symptoms can occur with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. However, one of the differences between these conditions is that bipolar disorder is a mood disorder and schizophrenia is a psycho tic disorder.
What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar I disorder (pronounced " bipolar one" and also known as manic-depressive disorder or manic depression) is a form of mental illness. A person affected by bipolar I disorder has had at least one manic episode in their life. A manic episode is a period of abnormally elevated or irritable mood and high energy, ...
What is bipolar I?
People with bipolar I disorder experience full episodes of mania -- the often severe abnormally elevated mood and behavior described above. These manic symptoms can lead to serious disruptions in life (for example, spending the family fortune, or having an unintended pregnancy ). In bipolar II disorder, the symptoms of elevated mood ...
What is the treatment for bipolar disorder?
What Are the Treatments for Bipolar I Disorder? Manic episodes in bipolar I disorder require treatment with drugs, such as mood stabilizers and antipsychotics, and sometimes sedative-hypnotics which include benzodiazepines such as clonazepam ( Klonopin) or lorazepam ( Ativan ). Mood Stabilizers.
What are some antiseizure drugs?
Some other antiseizure drugs, notably carbamazepine(Tegretol) and lamotrigine(Lamictal), can have value in treating or preventing manias or depressions. Other antiseizure medicines that are less well-established but still sometimes used experimentally for the treatment of bipolar disorder, such as oxcarbazepine(Trileptal).
How long does bipolar last?
Depressive symptoms of bipolar disorder can last weeks or months, but rarely longer than one year. What Are the Treatments ...
How many people have bipolar disorder?
Virtually anyone can develop bipolar I disorder. About 2.5% of the U.S. population suffers from bipolar disorder -- almost 6 million people. Most people are in their teens or early 20s when symptoms of bipolar disorder first appear. Nearly everyone with bipolar I disorder develops it before age 50.
What does it mean when you are manic?
During a manic episode in someone with bipolar disorder, elevated mood can manifest itself as either euphoria (feeling "high") or as irritability. Abnormal behavior during manic episodes includes: Flying suddenly from one idea to the next. Rapid, "pressured" (uninterruptible), and loud speech.
How to manage bipolar disorder?
Although bipolar is a lifelong condition, one can manage their mood swings and other symptoms if it is timely diagnosed and an immediate treatment plan is put to practice. Bipolar can be treated with medications and psychological counseling.
What is a bipolar questionnaire?
The bipolar questionnaire consists of survey questions that help a certified medical professional like psychiatrists, primary care clinicians, and neurologists to understand and diagnose whether an individual has bipolar disorder or not.
Why is it important to diagnose bipolar disorder?
It is important to diagnose bipolar, for receiving timely treatment. For early diagnosis, screening is essential and for that, you need to have a thorough format ready to help with the process. A bipolar questionnaire can help with the screening process. But this questionnaire needs to have appropriate survey questions to extract maximum ...
What is mood swing?
Changes in the state of mood or what is normally called as mood swing is one of the major symptoms in diagnosing bipolar disorder. In bipolar individuals experience extreme changes in their mood. At one point they’ll be extremely cheerful and the next moment they will be silent as night.
Can bipolar be treated?
Although bipolar is a lifelong condition, one can manage their mood swings and other symptoms if it is timely diagnosed and an immediate treatment plan is put to practice. Bipolar can be treated with medications and psychological counseling. Learn more: Bipolar Survey Questions + Sample Questionnaire Template.

Overview
- Bipolar disorder, formerly called manic depression, is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). When you become depressed, you may feel sad or hopeless and lose interest or pleasure in most activities. When your mood shifts to mania or hypomania (less extreme than mania), you may fe…
Symptoms
- There are several types of bipolar and related disorders. They may include mania or hypomania and depression. Symptoms can cause unpredictable changes in mood and behavior, resulting in significant distress and difficulty in life. 1. Bipolar I disorder.You've had at least one manic episode that may be preceded or followed by hypomanic or major depressive episodes. In som…
Causes
- The exact cause of bipolar disorder is unknown, but several factors may be involved, such as: 1. Biological differences.People with bipolar disorder appear to have physical changes in their brains. The significance of these changes is still uncertain but may eventually help pinpoint causes. 2. Genetics.Bipolar disorder is more common in people who have a first-degree relative, …
Risk Factors
- Factors that may increase the risk of developing bipolar disorder or act as a trigger for the first episode include: 1. Having a first-degree relative, such as a parent or sibling, with bipolar disorder 2. Periods of high stress, such as the death of a loved one or other traumatic event 3. Drug or alcohol abuse
Complications
- Left untreated, bipolar disorder can result in serious problems that affect every area of your life, such as: 1. Problems related to drug and alcohol use 2. Suicide or suicide attempts 3. Legal or financial problems 4. Damaged relationships 5. Poor work or school performance
Prevention
- There's no sure way to prevent bipolar disorder. However, getting treatment at the earliest sign of a mental health disorder can help prevent bipolar disorder or other mental health conditions from worsening. If you've been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, some strategies can help prevent minor symptoms from becoming full-blown episodes of mania or depression: 1. Pay attention to warni…