Bipolar disorder is associated with a broad spectrum of symptoms that vary significantly in severity from person to person. The hallmark of this condition is the experience of dramatic changes in mood, energy, sleep, and behavior that are so severe, they threaten personal wellbeing and safety. For an individual to be diagnosed with bipolar disorder, they must have had at least one manic or hypomanic episode. Manic Episodes: During manic episodes, an individual experiences an elevated state — usually lasting about one week — in which they may: Have trouble sleeping or less need for sleep Excessive and irrational worry Feel restless Feel wired Feel elated Feel agitated or irritable Talk more than usual Talk loudly or rapidly Have trouble focusing Have increased activity levels, doing many activities at once, overscheduling Be more impulsive Engage in risky behaviors (e.g.: reckless sex, reckless driving, reckless spending) Have an unusually high sex drive Have uncontrollable, racing thoughts Experience disjointed thinking Have an exaggerated sense self-esteem or grandiosity Experience psychosis Engage in drug and/or alcohol abuse Hypomanic Episodes: Hypomanic episodes are less severe than manic episodes; they last at least four days in a row and are characterized by similar symptoms that are more moderate in intensity. Depressive Episodes: In addition to manic or hypomanic episodes, individuals with bipolar disorder also experience major depressive episodes. These typically last at least two weeks and feature at least five of the following symptoms, including one of the first two in the list: Intense sadness or despair; feeling helpless, hopeless, or worthless Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed Feeling guilty Feeling worried Feeling empty Becoming forgetful Experiencing changes in sleep patterns such as sleeping too little or too much Feeling restless or agitated Having slowed speech or moving slowly Eating too much or too little Experiencing energy loss, fatigue Having difficulty making decisions Having frequent thoughts of death or suicide Declining activity levels Experiencing difficulty concentrating Mixed States: Between manic/hypomanic and depressive episodes, individuals with bipolar disorder may also experience mixed states with symptoms of both the former and the latter at once. Examples include: Feeling energized and hopeless at the same time Feeling restlessness and emptiness together Because such a wide range of symptoms are associated with bipolar disorder, it’s often mistaken for other conditions, such as borderline personality disorder (BPD) or schizophrenia. If you suspect that you or a loved one may be experiencing bipolar disorder, it’s important to schedule a full psychiatric evaluation with a professional who can provide an accurate diagnosis if necessary.