Behavioral Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

Individuals with bipolar disorder are impossible to spot at first glance. It takes a healthy knowledge of previous activity over a long period of time to even begin to suspect that someone has bipolar disorder. For an illness that is so misunderstood, it is necessary at first to increase the knowledge base before making an informal diagnosis, and then suggesting that an individual seek professional help. Here are some of the many behavioral symptoms of bipolar disorder.

Manic episodes are characterized by extremely elevated moods, irritability and agitation, increased energy, restlessness, and impulsive behaviors. Manic symptoms can be presented by many types of behavior. An individual may act extremely annoyed and irritated by any discussion of his or her behavior. An individual during a manic episode may go on spending sprees, spending money that the individual does not have, which results in credit issues. An individual may engage in impulsive sexual encounters. Some people drive recklessly during manic episodes, which may result in speeding tickets or worse. More creative individuals may attempt to start many projects at once, resulting in several unfinished projects. The increase in energy and the decreased need for sleep may result in severe insomnia, but the individual will not feel fatigued from the lack of sleep. The individual may have a difficult time concentrating or making decisions, from the smallest decision to the biggest one.

Depressive episodes are characterized by a very low mood, decrease in energy, lethargy, change in sleeping and eating habits, decreased interest in former activities, and dark thoughts. Depression is slightly easier to spot than mania, which is why many individuals with bipolar disorder are originally diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder. Here are some of the ways that depression may be made apparent. The individual may lose interest in activities formerly enjoyed, including sexual activity. The individual may begin to eat more or less, which results in extreme weight changes. The individual may experience changes in sleep patterns, resulting in oversleeping or insomnia. In this case of insomnia, the individual will feel fatigued by the lack of sleep. The low mood is very noticeable in the glum displays of behavior and expression.

Mixed episodes of bipolar disorder are characterized by displaying traits of both manic and depressive episodes. For example, an individual in a mixed state might describe feeling "wired," while also have dark thoughts and irritation.

These are just some of the behaviors displayed by individuals with bipolar disorder, and not all of the behaviors listed will be apparent in one person. It is very important to urge an individual that may have bipolar disorder to seek professional help.

NIMH: National Institute of Mental Health. 2009. http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/bipolar-disorder/complete-index