What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is also a relatively common disorder. It is a type of mood disorder. When it occurs during a manic episode, it is also a type of depression. Patients have many symptoms of the disease, such as depressive episodes, emotional instability, sudden obesity, etc. In addition, when a manic episode occurs, they will feel good about themselves and be particularly complacent, and sometimes they will be extremely depressed.

What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder ? 1. Depressive episodes

Bipolar depression has an acute onset, a shorter course, and more frequent recurrences. ② Symptom characteristics Bipolar depression is different from unipolar depression in symptoms, and its characteristics include emotional instability, irritability, psychomotor agitation, racing/crowding of thoughts, increased sleep, obesity/weight gain, inattention, more suicidal ideation and comorbid anxiety and substance abuse (tobacco, alcohol, drugs, etc.).

2. Manic episodes

(1) They are in a high spirit and feel good about themselves. They are cheerful, proud, and smiling all day long. They are contagious and often resonate with people around them, causing them to laugh. Some patients, although in high spirits, have unstable and unpredictable emotions, sometimes happy and cheerful, sometimes excited and angry. Some patients are characterized by anger, irritability, hostility, and may even exhibit destructive and aggressive behavior, but they often quickly turn anger into joy or apologize immediately. (2) The mind is racing with reaction and the thoughts are surging. There are many plans and goals. The person feels that his tongue is racing with his thoughts and that his words cannot keep up with the speed of his thoughts. He talks more and more and is eloquent and eloquent. He dances with joy and is very excited. Even if his mouth is dry and his voice is hoarse, he will continue to talk. He talks nonsense and the content of his words is unrealistic. He often changes the subject. He is arrogant and pretentious. (3) Increased activity: energetic, tireless, with broad interests, quick to act, busy, and nosy, but often achieve nothing, do whatever they want, regardless of the consequences, often spend money without regard for the consequences, over-embellish themselves to attract attention, seek popularity, be bossy, like to teach others, like to boss others around, behave frivolously, often go to entertainment venues, and attract other people. (4) Physical symptoms include ruddy complexion, bright eyes, accelerated heart rate, and dilated pupils. Reduced sleep needs, difficulty falling asleep, early awakening, and disrupted sleep rhythm; increased appetite, overeating, or irregular eating due to being too busy, coupled with excessive consumption causing weight loss; increased interest in the opposite sex, increased sexual desire, and uncontrolled sexual life.

3. A mixed episode refers to the simultaneous occurrence of manic symptoms and depressive symptoms in one episode, which is relatively rare in clinical practice. It usually occurs during rapid transitions between mania and depression. For example, a patient who is in a manic episode may suddenly become depressed and then become manic again a few hours later, giving people a "mixed" impression. However, this mixed state generally lasts for a short time, and most people quickly turn into a manic or depressive phase. In mixed episodes, both manic and depressive symptoms are atypical and can be easily misdiagnosed as schizotypal disorder or schizophrenia.