Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes alternating periods of high and low moods, often ranging from depression to euphoria or irritability, and shifts in energy. This lifelong condition affects more than 3 million Americans.
Depression and Mania: Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
There are several different types of bipolar disorder. The condition is primarily associated with two mood states: depression and mania.
Symptoms associated with depression
During phases of depression, it’s common to experience:
- Fatigue.
- Feeling helpless.
- Loss of interest in daily activities.
- Extreme sadness.
- Loss of appetite or increased appetite.
- Trouble concentrating or making decisions.
- Thoughts of suicide.
Symptoms associated with mania
During mania phases, it’s common to have at least several of these experiences:
- Feeling “too” happy.
- Being very irritable.
- Talking very fast.
- Experiencing racing thoughts.
- Being easily distracted.
- Sleeping very little and yet not feeling tired.
- Having lots of energy.
- Starting lots of new projects or getting involved in many more activities than usual.
- Having an unrealistically positive view of one’s abilities.
- Acting impulsively.
- Engaging in high-risk behaviors, like spending a lot of money or being sexually promiscuous.
- Having unrealistic thoughts, such as hearing voices that do not exist or feeling frightened for no reason.
Manic Depression or Bipolar Disorder? Which Term Is Correct?
You may have heard the term “manic depression” and wondered if it is the same as bipolar disorder.
Manic depression was the term originally used to describe bipolar disorder. It was coined because of the condition’s two common mood states: mania and depression.
Today, however, the medical community has learned much more about the condition. It affects more than just mood; it is a medical disorder that also has an impact on cognition, sleep, and physical well-being. Bipolar disorder is the medical diagnosis given to individuals experiencing this complex combination of symptoms.
Bipolar Disorder Diagnosis
Bipolar disorder can be challenging to diagnose. Your doctor will take your medical history and ask questions about the symptoms you are experiencing, including when the problems began and how long you have had them. Your doctor may request urine or blood tests to rule out other conditions.
There are also a number of other factors your doctor will consider, including:
- Do you have a close relative with bipolar disorder? Because bipolar disorder often runs in families, having a relative with the disorder may increase your risk for it.
- Have you had a recent major life trauma? If you are biologically vulnerable to bipolar disorder, life events that disrupt your daily routines can trigger mood episodes.
- Do you use drugs or alcohol? Many of the symptoms of intoxication can be confused with the symptoms of bipolar disorder. Sometimes drug use can precipitate mood episodes in individuals who are biologically vulnerable to bipolar disorder.
Treatment for Bipolar Disorder
Once diagnosed, Bipolar Disorder is a treatable illness. The most common treatments are medication and psychotherapy. In some cases, day treatment programs or hospitalization might be considered.
If you or a friend or family member have questions about bipolar disorder diagnosis or treatment, please check with your doctor. Learn more about Behavioral and Mental Health Services at UPMC.
Editor's Note: This article was originally published on , and was last reviewed on . Reviewed and updated for accuracy.