Bipolar disorder can also be known as manic-depressive illness. The brain causes unusual shifts in mood and activity levels. Bipolar symptoms are different than usual ups and downs that everyone experiences.
A manic episode can include the following:
- Long periods of feeling “high” or overly happy and outgoing
- Extreme irritable mood, agitation, feeling “jumpy” or “wired”
- Talking very fast
- Jumping from one idea to another, racing thoughts
- Poor concentration, being easily distracted
- Intense goal-directed activity and taking on multiple projects
- Feeling restless, sleeping very little
- Impulsivity, taking part in a lot of high-risk sexual behavior, hasty business decisions, spending sprees
- Abusing alcohol or drugs, having relationship problems, performing poorly at work or school
A depressive episode can include the following:
- Long periods of feeling worried or empty
- Lack of pleasure in things, hopelessness or pessimism
- Feeling tired, fatigue, feeling “slowed down”
- Problems concentrating, difficulty remembering things, trouble making decisions
- Changes in eating or sleeping habits
- Thoughts of suicide
- Abusing alcohol or drugs, having relationship problems, performing poorly at work or school
Education about Bipolar disorder is important. Persons experiencing Bipolar illness can also respond to multiple types of treatment: education about the illness, medications, behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, exercise, and practicing good sleep hygiene.