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 The dramatic and rapidly changing mood swings from highs to lows do not follow a set pattern, and depression does not always follow manic phases. A person may also experience the same mood state several times before suddenly experiencing the opposite mood. Mood swings can happen over a period of weeks, months, and sometimes even years.
The severity of the depressive and manic phases can differ from person to person, and in the same person at different times.
Symptoms of mania ("The highs"):
* Excessive happiness, hopefulness, and excitement
* Sudden changes from being joyful to being irritable, angry, and hostile
* Restlessness
* Rapid speech and poor concentration
* Increased energy and less need for sleep
* High sex drive
* Tendency to make grand and unattainable plans
* Tendency to show poor judgment, such as deciding to quit a job
* Drug and alcohol abuse
* Increased impulsivity
Some people with bipolar disorder can become psychotic, seeing and hearing things that aren't there and holding false beliefs from which they cannot be swayed. In some instances they see themselves as having superhuman skills and powers, or think they are god-like.
During depressive periods, a person with bipolar disorder may experience:
* Sadness
* Loss of energy
* Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
* Loss of enjoyment from things that were once pleasurable
* Difficulty concentrating
* Uncontrollable crying
* Difficulty making decisions
* Irritability
* Increased need for sleep
* Insomnia
* A change in appetite causing weight loss or gain
* Thoughts of death or suicide
* Attempting suicide
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Posted by: gruvhip on Saturday, November 20 @ 20:05:33 CST
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