Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings that include periods of intense highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). There are several types of bipolar disorder, but the most common ones are bipolar I and bipolar II. Here are the symptoms associated with each phase of bipolar disorder:
- Manic Episode (Bipolar I): During a manic episode, individuals experience an elevated or irritable mood and an increased level of activity and energy. Symptoms may include:
- Feeling euphoric or overly optimistic
- Increased self-esteem or grandiosity
- Reduced need for sleep without feeling tired
- Racing thoughts and rapid speech
- Impulsivity and engaging in risky behaviors (e.g., excessive spending, reckless driving, or substance abuse)
- Difficulty concentrating and jumping from one idea to another
- Increased goal-directed activity and taking on multiple projects
- Agitation and irritability
Hypomanic Episode (Bipolar II): A hypomanic episode is similar to a manic episode but less severe. The symptoms are generally not as disruptive and may even be perceived as positive by the individual. However, hypomania can still lead to impairments in functioning.
Major Depressive Episode (Both Bipolar I and Bipolar II): During a major depressive episode, individuals experience intense feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest or pleasure in activities they once enjoyed. Common symptoms include:
- Persistent sadness or a low mood
- Loss of energy and fatigue
- Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
- Trouble concentrating and making decisions
- Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
- Mixed Episode: Some individuals with bipolar disorder may experience mixed episodes where symptoms of both mania/hypomania and depression occur simultaneously. This can be particularly challenging as it combines elements of high energy and impulsivity with extreme sadness and despair.
Bipolar Disorder Misdiagnosis: Yes, bipolar disorder can sometimes be misdiagnosed as depression, especially if the healthcare provider only observes the individual during a depressive episode and does not have a complete picture of their full mood swings. This can lead to a misdiagnosis of unipolar depression, and the manic or hypomanic episodes may go unnoticed or be attributed to other factors.
It is essential for healthcare professionals to take a thorough medical history, conduct a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, and consider the presence of both manic and depressive symptoms over time to make an accurate diagnosis of bipolar disorder. Additionally, keeping track of mood fluctuations and changes in behavior over an extended period can be helpful in distinguishing between unipolar depression and bipolar disorder. This allows for a more precise diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan to be developed.