Bipolar Disorder
Alternate Names : Manic Depression, Manic Depressive Disorder
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.
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