What Are the Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder?

What Is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by distinct episodes involving significant changes in mood, energy, activity, sleep and behavior. These episodes differ clearly from a person's usual self and last days or longer. Everyday mood swings or irritability alone are not bipolar disorder.

What Are the Symptoms of Mania?

• Unusually elevated, energized or markedly irritable mood
• Significantly decreased need for sleep without feeling tired
• Racing thoughts and rapid or increased speech
• Increased activity or taking on many projects
• Feeling unusually powerful, talented or important
• Distractibility
• Impulsive or risky behavior
• A significant change from usual behavior

Severe mania can substantially impair functioning and may sometimes involve psychotic symptoms or require hospitalization.

What Does Hypomania Feel Like?

Hypomania can involve similar changes in mood, energy, sleep and activity but is less severe than mania. A person may feel unusually productive or energetic and may not recognize the change as a problem, even when people close to them notice it.

What Are the Symptoms of Bipolar Depression?

• Persistent sadness or hopelessness
• Loss of interest or pleasure
• Low energy and changes in sleep
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Feelings of worthlessness
• Changes in activity or appetite
• Thoughts of death or suicide

Learn how brain chemistry changes during depression.

Can Bipolar Disorder Include Mixed Symptoms?

Yes. Some episodes combine features of mania or hypomania and depression at the same time—for example, high energy and racing thoughts alongside hopelessness. Mixed symptoms can be especially distressing and deserve prompt evaluation.

Bipolar Disorder or Menopause Mood Changes?

Perimenopause can be associated with changes in sleep, anxiety, irritability, mood and concentration. These can overlap with some symptoms of psychiatric disorders. However, bipolar disorder is not diagnosed simply because someone has mood swings during menopause. Diagnosis depends on the pattern, severity and duration of symptoms and whether there have been distinct episodes of mania or hypomania. Menopause does not cause bipolar disorder. See mood and brain function in midlife and estrogen and the brain.

When Should Mood Changes Be Evaluated?

New, severe or unusual mood symptoms during midlife deserve appropriate evaluation rather than automatic attribution to hormones. Sleep problems, attention difficulties, medications, thyroid conditions and life stressors can all contribute, so a clinician looks at the whole picture.