What are the Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder?

Introduction:

Bipolar disorder is a serious mental health condition that requires proper medical attention and there are several health care services available for it. There is a lot to know and understand about this condition, including its types, risk factors, available diagnosis, etc. In this article, we will offer details on the known symptoms of Bipolar Disorder for your reference and if you think you are affected by this condition then make sure to avail of the necessary psychiatrist consultation from the right health care company.

What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder, formerly known as “manic depression”, is a chronic mood disorder where the affected person faces shifts in levels of energy, mood and behaviour to great extents. For example, a person affected by bipolar disorder may experience manic periods, where they would feel an excessive amount of confidence and happiness, and depressive periods, where they would feel an extreme amount of hopelessness, sadness and so on. Their usual normal self would be in between these two contrasting periods. Individuals with this disorder are advised to consult psychiatrist through their available health care solutions.

What are the Types of Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is generally classified into four categories, as listed in the following:

1. Bipolar I disorder-

This involves periods of extreme depression/manic episodes.

2. Bipolar II disorder-

This involves mild but irregular mood episodes of mania and depression.

3. Cyclothymic disorder-

The symptoms for this type of bipolar disorder are less intense than type I and II, and involve behavioural periods of depression and mania, which could last for a year in teens and children and 2 years in cases of adults.

4. Unspecified disorder/Mixed features-

This involves notable periods of irregular mood elevation but with fewer symptoms than type I, II and Cyclothymic and doesn’t last very long.

5. Rapid cycling-

This is not a type but a pattern where individuals with type I or II bipolar disorder face at least four or more episodes of mood elevation within a 12-month time period.

What are the Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder has tons of noticeable symptoms and if you are worried about whether you have it or not, you can opt for a psychiatrist consultation online. Generally, the symptoms of bipolar disorder are grouped into two categories, one includes manic symptoms(“the highs”) and the other includes depressive symptoms (“the lows”). Here is the list of bipolar disorder symptoms down below:

1. Manic symptoms:

● Extreme amount of excitement, joy and hopefulness

● Feelings of restlessness

● Rapid mood switch to being angry, irritable and hostile from being happy

● Extremely high sex drive

● Poor judgement skills

● Low emphasis on sleeping

● Lack of attention and appetite

● Substance abuse

● Being energetic, impulsive and forging grand schemes

● Heightened sense of self-confidence

2. Depressive symptoms:

● Being low on energy

● Feelings of sadness and hopelessness

● Being forgetful

● Loss of joy from doing things that were once loved

● Trouble sleeping (insomnia)

● Struggle in concentrating and making decisions

● Being easily irritated

● Change in appetite

● Lack of sex drive

● Unruly crying

● Suicidal thoughts

End Note:

There are quite a lot of possible symptoms related to bipolar disorder, and its level of severity depends upon the type and may also vary from person to person. Taking care of your mental health should always be your priority and the intensity of this disorder is not a matter that you can skip past. If you think that you, or someone you may know, suffers from bipolar disorder, then make sure to avail of immediate psychiatrist counselling and the right medical measures. LivLong offers affordable and quality psychiatrist consultation online, along with other health care services, which you can access in a matter of a few clicks and ease your way through the whole process of diagnosis and treatment.