What is
bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression) causes
serious shifts in mood, energy, thinking, and behavior—from the highs of mania
on one extreme, to the lows of depression on the other. Unlike ordinary mood
swings, the mood changes of bipolar disorder are so intense that they interfere
with your ability to function.
During a manic episode, a person might impulsively quit a
job, charge up huge amounts on credit cards, or feel rested after sleeping two
hours. During a depressive episode, the same person might be too tired to get
out of bed, and full of self-loathing and hopelessness over being unemployed
and in debt.
The causes of bipolar disorder aren’t completely understood,
but it often appears to be hereditary. The first manic or depressive episode of
bipolar disorder usually occurs in the teenage years or early adulthood. Bipolar
disorder can look very different in different people. The symptoms vary widely
in their pattern, severity, and frequency. Some people are more prone to either
mania or depression, while others alternate equally between the two types of
episodes. Some have frequent mood disruptions, while others experience only a
few over a lifetime.
There are four types of mood episodes in bipolar
disorder: mania, hypomania, depression, and mixed episodes. Each type of
bipolar disorder mood episode has a unique set of symptoms.
Signs and symptoms of mania
In the manic phase of bipolar disorder, feelings of
heightened energy, creativity, and euphoria are common. People experiencing a
manic episode often talk a mile a minute, sleep very little, and are
hyperactive. They may also feel like they’re all-powerful, invincible, or
destined for greatness.
But while mania feels good at first, it has a tendency to
spiral out of control. People often behave recklessly during a manic episode:
gambling away savings, engaging in inappropriate sexual activity, or making
foolish business investments, for example. They may also become angry,
irritable, and aggressive—picking fights, lashing out when others don’t go
along with their plans, and blaming anyone who criticizes their behavior. Some
people even become delusional or start hearing voices.
Hypomania symptoms
Hypomania is a less severe form of mania. People in a
hypomanic state feel euphoric, energetic, and productive, but they are able to
carry on with their day-to-day lives and they never lose touch with reality. To
others, it may seem as if people with hypomania are merely in an unusually good
mood. However, hypomania can result in bad decisions that harm relationships,
careers, and reputations. In addition, hypomania often escalates to full-blown
mania or is followed by a major depressive episode.
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