Bipolar disorder symptoms

Overview

Bipolar disorder involves episodes of mania or hypomania alternating with depression. Bipolar I includes at least one full manic episode; bipolar II includes hypomania and major depression.

Symptoms to watch for

• Manic/hypomanic: decreased need for sleep, elevated or irritable mood, racing thoughts, grandiosity, risky decisions, rapid speech
• Depressive: low mood, low energy, hopelessness, sleep and appetite changes, suicidal thoughts

What else could this be?

• Major depression (misdiagnosed as unipolar)
• ADHD
• Substance-induced mood
• Borderline personality disorder

How it's diagnosed

Clinical interview, MDQ screening, ruling out substances. Requires psychiatric expertise.

Treatment

Mood stabilizers (lithium, lamotrigine, valproate) and atypical antipsychotics. Antidepressants alone can trigger mania and are used cautiously. Psychotherapy for coping and relapse prevention.

Frequently asked