A person with bipolar disorder will experience different symptoms depending on the phase they are in—manic phase or a depressed phase. In some very rare cases, manic and depressed symptoms occur simultaneously or in very quick succession in people with bipolar I disorder. This is called a mixed episode. These symptoms would be more intense in someone with bipolar I disorder and less severe in someone with bipolar II disorder.
Mania Symptoms
A manic phase may last from days to months and is marked by elevated mood and poor impulse control. An individual might exhibit:
- increased energy
- unusual talkativeness
- hyperactivity
- racing thoughts
- easy distractibility
- irritability
- little need for sleep
- inflated self-esteem
- grandiose thoughts about one’s abilities
One of the most dangerous symptoms of mania is the practice of reckless behaviorsthat a person would not otherwise engage in. These recless behaviors include:
- unprotected sexual encounters
- binge drinking or drug use
- spending sprees
- foolish business investments
- making rash decisions that put themselves or loved ones in harm’s way.
Depression Symptoms
A depression phase is characterized by:
- sadness
- uncontrollable crying
- feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness
- excessive guilt
- fatigue or listlessness
- anxiety
- sleep disturbances (either oversleeping or inability to sleep)
- eating disturbances (either eating too much or too little)
- loss of interest or enjoyment in activities one typically enjoys
- withdrawal from friends and family
In bipolar disorder, suicide is a significant risk, occurring in 10 to 15 percent of people with either type I or II. Suicidal thoughts and attempts are more likely to happen when the individual is in a depressed state. Other forms of self-harm, such as cutting and self-mutilation is also common in people with bipolar disorder I or II.
