Healthopedia.com - Your Health
Encyclopedia

Set Homepage Email Page Favorites      

 
  Home
  Health Centers
  Medical Encyclopedia
  Drugs & Medications
  Diseases & Conditions 
  Medical Symptoms
  Medical Tests & Exams
  Surgery & Procedures 
  Injuries & Wounds
  Diet & Nutrition
  Special Topics
  Pictures & Images      


Google
 
Web Healthopedia.com

You are here : Healthopedia.com > Medical Encyclopedia > Diseases and Conditions > Bipolar Disorder: Symptoms & Signs
      Category : Health Centers > Mental Health (Mental Disorders)

Bipolar Disorder

Alternate Names : Manic Depression, Manic Depressive Disorder

Bipolar Disorder | Symptoms & Signs | Diagnosis & Tests | Prevention & Expectations | Treatment & Monitoring | Attribution


What are the signs and symptoms of the condition?

When an individual is in the manic phase of bipolar disorder, the following symptoms may occur:

  • behavior that is aggressive or intrusive
  • denial that behavior is abnormal
  • fast, incessant talking
  • increased energy and activity
  • increased interest in sex
  • irritability
  • poor judgment that may lead to spending sprees or risky behaviors
  • sleeplessness
  • a tendency to be easily distracted
  • The depressive phase of this disorder is characterized by the following:

  • appetite problems
  • decreased energy
  • difficulty paying attention or making decisions
  • feeling very sensitive emotionally
  • feelings of sadness, despair, and emptiness
  • inability to feel pleasure
  • irritability
  • loss of motivation and withdrawal from others
  • low self-esteem
  • pessimism, negativity
  • sleeping problems
  • thoughts about suicide and death
  • A manic or depressive episode may last from a few days to several months. Some people switch between moods several times each day.

    Some people with bipolar disorder have episodes of psychosis. Psychosis is a significant mental disorder that has a physical or emotional source. Symptoms of psychosis may include hallucinations and delusions. Hallucinations occur when a person hears or sees something that isn't really there. Delusions are false beliefs that aren't logical.

    Some people have symptoms of a mixed bipolar state. These individuals are often agitated and very sad. They may have high energy. Psychosis and suicidal thinking are common in a mixed bipolar state.


    Previous section

     

    Next section

    Bipolar Disorder: Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

     

    Bipolar Disorder: Diagnosis & Tests

    Author: Ann Reyes, Ph.D.
    Reviewer: Gail Hendrickson, RN, BS
    Date Reviewed: 05/04/01









    Content provided by The Patient Marketing Group, Inc.

    Copyright © 2006 Healthopedia.com All Rights reserved.
    About Us | Help/FAQ | Privacy Policy | Editorial Policy | Advertising Policy | Accessibility | Terms of Use
    Contact Us | Link to Us

    HONcode accreditation seal.

    We comply with the HONcode standard for health trust worthy information: verify here.


    The information provided herein is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. The information should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call your local emergency number for all medical emergencies. Use of this online service is subject to the disclaimer and the terms and conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites.
    Page Last Updated: 30th May, 2006