Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that can cause major changes in mood, energy, sleep, activity, and daily behavior. A person may have periods of unusually high energy or irritability and later experience periods of sadness, low energy, or loss of interest.
Because these changes can look different from person to person, understanding bipolar disorder symptoms is an important first step toward getting the right support. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), bipolar disorder can include manic, hypomanic, and depressive episodes that affect mood, thinking, sleep, and everyday activities.
If you or someone you care about is experiencing ongoing mood changes, a psychiatric diagnostic evaluation can help identify possible causes and guide the next steps.
What Is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a condition that causes changes between periods of elevated or irritable mood and periods of depression. These changes are more than normal ups and downs. They can affect sleep, energy, concentration, judgment, relationships, work, and other parts of daily life.
There are several types of bipolar disorder. The most common include bipolar I disorder, bipolar II disorder, and cyclothymic disorder.
Importantly, bipolar disorder does not look exactly the same in every person. Some people have more frequent mood episodes, while others may have long periods between episodes.
Bipolar Disorder Symptoms
The symptoms of bipolar disorder usually occur during mood episodes. These episodes can involve mania, hypomania, depression, or a combination of symptoms over time.
Symptoms of Mania
Mania is a period of unusually high, expansive, or irritable mood. It can also cause a strong increase in energy and activity.
Common manic episode symptoms include:
- Feeling unusually energetic or active
- Needing much less sleep than usual
- Talking much faster than normal
- Having racing thoughts
- Feeling unusually confident or powerful
- Becoming easily irritated or angry
- Starting many projects or activities
- Having difficulty staying focused
- Making impulsive decisions
- Spending money excessively
- Taking unusual risks
- Becoming more interested in pleasurable activities
- Having difficulty managing work, school, or relationships
In more severe cases, mania may include psychosis, such as losing touch with reality or experiencing unusual beliefs or perceptions. Therefore, severe manic symptoms should be taken seriously.
Symptoms of Hypomania
Hypomania is similar to mania but is generally less severe. A person may feel more energetic, productive, social, or confident than usual.
For example, someone experiencing hypomania may sleep less but still feel energetic. They may also talk more, have many new ideas, or become unusually active.
However, hypomania can still affect relationships, work, finances, and decision-making. It can also be difficult for a person to recognize that their behavior has changed.
Hypomania is an important part of bipolar II disorder. Unlike bipolar I disorder, bipolar II does not involve a full manic episode. According to the NIMH bipolar disorder guide, bipolar II involves hypomanic and depressive episodes without a full manic episode.
Symptoms of Bipolar Depression
A depressive episode can feel very different from mania or hypomania. During this period, a person may have low energy, sadness, anxiety, or a loss of interest in activities they normally enjoy.
Common bipolar depression symptoms include:
- Feeling sad, empty, or hopeless
- Losing interest in normal activities
- Feeling tired or lacking energy
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Having trouble concentrating
- Feeling worthless or guilty
- Moving or speaking more slowly
- Feeling restless or unable to relax
- Having difficulty completing simple tasks
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Withdrawing from friends or family
- Thoughts about death or suicide
Because depression can occur in several mental health conditions, it is important not to assume that depression alone means a person has bipolar disorder.
A proper assessment looks at the person’s current symptoms as well as their history of mood changes, energy levels, sleep, behavior, and possible manic or hypomanic episodes.
Bipolar I vs. Bipolar II Disorder
The difference between bipolar I and bipolar II mainly involves the type and severity of elevated mood episodes.
Bipolar I Disorder
Bipolar I disorder involves at least one manic episode. The episode may last at least seven days or may be severe enough to require hospital care.
Depressive episodes are also common, although they are not required to make a bipolar I diagnosis.
Bipolar II Disorder
Bipolar II disorder involves both:
- At least one hypomanic episode
- At least one major depressive episode
A person with bipolar II does not experience a full manic episode. Even so, bipolar II can cause significant problems, particularly because depressive episodes may be severe or long-lasting.
What Causes Bipolar Disorder?
There is no single cause of bipolar disorder. Instead, several factors may contribute to its development.
These may include:
- Family history
- Genetic factors
- Brain and biological factors
- Stress
- Major life changes
- Sleep disruption
- Substance use
- Other mental or physical health conditions
Having a family member with bipolar disorder may increase risk. However, it does not mean that someone will definitely develop the condition.
In addition, some medical conditions and substances can cause symptoms that look similar to bipolar disorder. That is why a complete assessment is important before starting treatment.
How Is Bipolar Disorder Diagnosed?
There is no single blood test that can confirm bipolar disorder. Instead, diagnosis usually involves a detailed mental health evaluation.
During an evaluation, a mental health professional may ask about:
- Current symptoms
- Previous mood changes
- Sleep patterns
- Energy levels
- Concentration
- Changes in behavior
- Medical history
- Family mental health history
- Medications
- Alcohol or substance use
- Stress and major life events
- Previous mental health treatment
A clinician may also use questionnaires or other assessment tools when appropriate.
Physical examinations or laboratory tests may be used to rule out medical problems that could contribute to mood symptoms. For instance, thyroid problems and certain substances can affect mood and energy.
The Mayo Clinic’s bipolar disorder diagnosis and treatment guidance also explains how clinicians may consider medical history, mental health symptoms, and other factors when assessing bipolar disorder.
At Akadi Mental Health Services, psychiatric evaluations focus on symptoms, medical history, emotional concerns, daily challenges, and treatment planning. You can learn more about comprehensive psychiatric evaluation services available through Akadi Mental Health.
Why Bipolar Disorder Can Be Misdiagnosed
Bipolar disorder can sometimes be difficult to identify because symptoms may change over time.
For example, someone may seek help during a depressive episode and not remember or recognize earlier periods of unusually high energy or reduced need for sleep. As a result, the full pattern may not be clear during the first appointment.
Another challenge is that symptoms can overlap with other conditions, including anxiety, ADHD, depression, PTSD, and substance-related problems.
Therefore, clinicians often look at a person’s lifetime history rather than focusing only on how they feel on the day of an appointment.
How Is Bipolar Disorder Treated?
The good news is that bipolar disorder can be managed with appropriate treatment. Treatment is usually long-term and may involve medication, psychotherapy, lifestyle support, or a combination of approaches.
The treatment plan depends on the person’s symptoms, diagnosis, medical history, current medications, and individual needs.
Medication for Bipolar Disorder
Medication can help control mood episodes and reduce the risk of future episodes.
Depending on the person’s needs, treatment may include:
- Mood stabilizers
- Atypical antipsychotic medications
- Other medications for specific symptoms
For example, lithium is one medication used in bipolar disorder and requires appropriate medical monitoring. Other medications may also be considered depending on whether the main concern is mania, depression, or mood stability.
The National Institute of Mental Health’s information on mental health medications provides additional information about medications used for mental health conditions.
Medication should always be taken according to a qualified healthcare professional’s instructions. Do not stop or change psychiatric medication without discussing it with your prescriber.
Akadi Mental Health also provides medication management services, including medication review, treatment planning, monitoring, and follow-up.
Can Antidepressants Be Used for Bipolar Disorder?
Antidepressants may sometimes be used as part of bipolar disorder treatment. However, they are not generally used as the only treatment for bipolar disorder because they can increase the risk of mania or rapid mood cycling in some people.
For that reason, a healthcare professional should carefully consider the person’s diagnosis and mood history before prescribing antidepressant medication.
Psychotherapy for Bipolar Disorder
Medication is not the only part of bipolar disorder treatment. Psychotherapy can also help people understand their symptoms and manage daily challenges.
Therapy may help with:
- Recognizing early warning signs
- Managing stress
- Improving communication
- Building healthy routines
- Understanding mood changes
- Improving relationships
- Managing negative thoughts
- Staying consistent with treatment
Cognitive behavioral therapy, family-focused therapy, interpersonal and social rhythm therapy, and psychoeducation are among the approaches that may be used.
Lifestyle Habits That May Support Treatment
Healthy daily habits can support professional treatment. They do not replace medication or therapy, but they may help improve stability.
Consider focusing on:
- Maintaining a regular sleep schedule
- Taking medication as prescribed
- Tracking mood changes
- Eating regular, balanced meals
- Staying physically active when appropriate
- Limiting alcohol and avoiding recreational drugs
- Managing stress
- Keeping regular healthcare appointments
- Staying connected with trusted people
In particular, sleep can be important because major changes in sleep may occur during both manic and depressive episodes.
Keeping a simple mood or sleep journal may also help you and your healthcare professional notice patterns over time.
When Should You Seek Help for Bipolar Disorder Symptoms?
Consider speaking with a mental health professional if mood changes are interfering with your:
- Work or education
- Relationships
- Sleep
- Finances
- Daily responsibilities
- Decision-making
- Emotional well-being
You should also consider an evaluation if you experience repeated periods of unusually high energy followed by significant depression.
Early support may make it easier to understand what is happening and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
If you are looking for professional support, Akadi Mental Health Services offers psychiatric evaluation and treatment services for conditions including bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, insomnia, and mood disorders.
When Bipolar Symptoms Become an Emergency
Some symptoms require immediate attention. If someone is at immediate risk of harming themselves or another person, experiencing severe confusion or psychosis, or is unable to stay safe, seek emergency help.
In the United States, call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If there is an immediate life-threatening emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Do not leave someone alone if they are in immediate danger.
How Akadi Mental Health Can Help
Getting an accurate diagnosis is an important part of bipolar disorder care. At Akadi Mental Health Services, psychiatric professionals evaluate symptoms, medical history, emotional concerns, and daily challenges to help develop an individualized treatment plan.
Treatment may include psychiatric evaluation and medication management based on individual needs. In addition, telehealth mental health services can provide virtual access to psychiatric care when appropriate.
If you are experiencing bipolar disorder symptoms, consider speaking with a qualified mental health professional rather than trying to diagnose yourself. A professional evaluation can help clarify your symptoms and identify appropriate treatment options.
Bipolar Disorder Symptoms Checklist
If you are preparing for a mental health appointment, it may help to write down:
- Changes in mood
- Periods of unusually high energy
- Reduced need for sleep
- Racing thoughts
- Increased talking
- Impulsive decisions
- Changes in spending or risk-taking
- Periods of depression
- Changes in appetite or sleep
- Problems with concentration
- Changes in work or relationships
- Previous mental health treatment
- Current medications
- Family history of mental health conditions
Keeping these notes can make it easier to explain your experiences during a psychiatric evaluation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When dealing with possible bipolar symptoms, avoid relying only on online symptom checklists. Online information can help you understand a condition, but it cannot replace a professional diagnosis.
Also, do not stop psychiatric medication suddenly without speaking with your prescriber. Instead, discuss side effects or concerns with your healthcare professional so your treatment can be reviewed safely.
Finally, remember that bipolar disorder is not simply “being moody.” It involves patterns of mood and behavior that can significantly affect a person’s life.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the most common bipolar disorder symptoms?
Common bipolar disorder symptoms can include major changes in mood, energy, sleep, activity, and concentration. During mania or hypomania, a person may have increased energy, reduced need for sleep, racing thoughts, rapid speech, or impulsive behavior. During depression, they may experience sadness, low energy, loss of interest, concentration problems, hopelessness, or changes in sleep and appetite.
2. What is the difference between bipolar I and bipolar II disorder?
Bipolar I disorder involves at least one manic episode, which can be severe and may require hospital care. Bipolar II disorder involves both hypomanic and major depressive episodes but does not include a full manic episode. Although hypomania is less severe than mania, bipolar II can still cause significant emotional and daily-life difficulties.
3. How is bipolar disorder diagnosed?
Bipolar disorder is diagnosed through a detailed mental health assessment rather than one specific medical test. A clinician may review current and past symptoms, mood patterns, sleep, behavior, family history, medications, substance use, and medical conditions. Physical or laboratory tests may also be used to rule out other possible causes of symptoms.
4. What treatments are available for bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder treatment may include medication, psychotherapy, or both. Mood stabilizers and certain antipsychotic medications may be used to manage mood episodes. Therapy can help with coping skills, routines, relationships, and recognizing early warning signs. Treatment is individualized and usually requires ongoing monitoring and follow-up.
5. When should I seek professional help for bipolar disorder symptoms?
You should consider professional help when mood changes repeatedly affect your sleep, work, relationships, finances, judgment, or daily responsibilities. An evaluation is especially important when you experience periods of unusually high energy, very little need for sleep, impulsive behavior, or severe depression. Immediate emergency support is needed when someone cannot stay safe or is at risk of harming themselves or others.
Conclusion
Recognizing bipolar disorder symptoms can be the first step toward getting appropriate support. Mania, hypomania, and depression can affect a person’s mood, energy, sleep, thinking, and everyday life. However, symptoms can overlap with other conditions, so a professional evaluation is important.
With the right diagnosis and an individualized treatment plan, many people can manage bipolar disorder and improve their quality of life. Medication, psychotherapy, healthy routines, and ongoing professional support can all play an important role.
If you are concerned about mood changes or think you may be experiencing symptoms of bipolar disorder, consider arranging a psychiatric evaluation with Akadi Mental Health Services to learn more about appropriate support and treatment options.