Your experience with bipolar disorder is different, but some similarities among people with the condition do exist. People will experience periods of steady mood and behavior. They will also experience periods of abnormally happy or high mood or mania. People diagnosed with bipolar depression must have had at minimum one depressive episode.
The “Highs” (mania)
Symptoms of a manic episode may include:
- Feelings of joy, abnormal excitement, or elevated mood
- Talking very rapidly or excessively
- Needing less sleep than normal, yet still having plenty of energy
- Feeling nervous, irritable, hyper, or easily distracted
- Engaging in risky behavior such as lavish spending, impulsive sexual encounters, or misguided business decisions.
The “Lows” (depression)
Symptoms of a depressive episode may include:
- No interest in activities you once liked
- Loss of energy
- Difficulty sleeping—either sleeping too much or not at all
- Changes in appetite—eating too much or too little
- Moving slowly or moving very fast that someone has noticed?
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
- Thoughts of death or suicide
Is bipolar depression hereditary?
Bipolar disorder is more frequently in people with a sibling or parent (a first-degree relative) who have the condition. Research is in process to try to determine the genes that may be linked to bipolar disorder.
How long does bipolar depression last?
Bipolar disorder is a chronic disorder. That means it is a lifetime and there is no cure. The symptoms can be managed with treatment.
What to do
Call and schedule an appointment with our specialists. Complete the intake form on the patient portal. Have an open and honest conversation with the practitioner about any symptoms that may be affecting you and when you are experiencing them.
Our experts can provide you with expert support, guidance, and, when appropriate, medications that are specifically suited to meet your unique needs. Our experienced mental health clinician utilizes evidence-based strategies, to teach you effective coping strategies to improve your wellbeing.
So, What Are the Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder manifests differently among men and women but the condition seems to be equally distributed between both genders.
For men, the symptoms of bipolar disorder are marked by more manic episodes, aggression, and the substance abuse issues that often accompany their episodes. Bipolar disorder in women, on the other hand, is characterized by more depressive episodes, mixed mania, and rapid cycling.
Professional Help Is Available
Gateway Behavioral Healthcare offers individuals with bipolar disorder with treatment options that are designed around their unique assessment results. Our mental and behavioral healthcare professionals will work with you to find the right combination of medication, psychotherapy, as well as other treatment options such as acupuncture and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).
Early Intervention Is Key to Better Outcomes
Don’t wait; take the first step to turning your life around. Remember, the faster you seek help, the better your outcomes will be.
Begin by getting an evaluation with one of our behavioral healthcare professionals today. You may also send us a message here for your inquiries.
