More About Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a condition in which people go back and forth between periods of a very good or irritable mood and depression. The “mood swings” between mania and depression can be very quick.

Causes Of Bipolar Disorder:

• Life changes such as childbirth
• Medications such as antidepressants or steroids
• Periods of sleeplessness
• Recreational drug use

Symptoms Of Bipolar Disorder:

Manic Phase:

• Easily distracted
• Little need for sleep
• Poor judgment
• Poor temper control
• Reckless behavior and lack of self control
  • Binge eating, drinking, and/or drug use
  • Poor judgment
  • Sex with many partners (promiscuity)
  • Spending sprees
• Very elevated mood
  • Excess activity (hyperactivity)
  • Increased energy
  • Racing thoughts
  • Talking a lot
• Very high self-esteem (false beliefs about self or abilities)
• Very involved in activities
• Very upset (agitated or irritated)

Depressed Phase:

• Daily low mood or sadness
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
• Eating problems
  • Loss of appetite and weight loss
  • Overeating and weight gain
• Fatigue or lack of energy
• Feeling worthless, hopeless, or guilty
• Loss of pleasure in activities once enjoyed
• Loss of self-esteem
• Thoughts of death and suicide
• Trouble getting to sleep or sleeping too much
• Pulling away from friends or activities that were once enjoyed