Signs and symptoms of Bipolar Disorder include:
- Periods of depression: Bipolar disorder involves episodes of depression, which can include feelings of sadness, hopelessness, loss of interest in activities, changes in appetite and sleep patterns, and thoughts of death or suicide.
- Periods of mania or hypomania: Bipolar disorder also involves episodes of mania or hypomania, which are characterized by elevated mood, increased energy and activity levels, racing thoughts, decreased need for sleep, inflated self-esteem or grandiosity, impulsivity, and engaging in risky behaviors.
- Mood swings: People with bipolar disorder often experience extreme mood swings, alternating between periods of depression and periods of mania or hypomania.
- Changes in behavior and activity levels: During manic or hypomanic episodes, individuals with bipolar disorder may engage in excessive or impulsive behaviors, such as spending sprees, reckless driving, or risky sexual behavior.
- Difficulty concentrating: Bipolar disorder can also affect a person's ability to concentrate and make decisions, leading to problems at work or school.
- Changes in sleep patterns: Sleep disturbances are common in bipolar disorder, with individuals experiencing either insomnia or excessive sleep during different phases of the illness.
- Psychosis: In severe cases, bipolar disorder can involve psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations or delusions.
- Rapid cycling: Some individuals with bipolar disorder experience rapid cycling, which means they have four or more mood episodes in a year, with frequent shifts between depression and mania or hypomania.
It's important to note that the specific signs and symptoms can vary from person to person and may change over time. A comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional is necessary for an accurate diagnosis.