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Bipolar Symptoms : Symptoms for Mania and for
Depression
Recognizing bipolar disorder isn’t as difficult for people who are
around the person on a regular basis. Doctors have more of a challenge diagnosing
the condition because they spend
a limited amount of time with their patients. You can help your loved one get
the appropriate diagnosis and treatment if you are familiar with the symptoms.
Below are separate checklists of symptoms for depression and for mania. Use
them to see if your loved one might be bipolar.
A depressive episode will usually last
at least two weeks and will be accompanied by at least five of
the following symptoms:
- Sadness and crying spells for no reason
- Major changes in appetite and sleep patterns
- Irritability and anger
- Worry and anxiety
- Pessimism, indifference, and/or feelings that nothing will ever
go right
- Loss of energy and/or constant exhaustion
- Unexplained aches and pains
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and/or hopelessness
- Inability to concentrate or make decisions
- Loss of interest in things once enjoyed
- Reluctance to socialize or to talk to others
- Excessive alcohol or drug use
- Recurring thoughts of death or suicide
- Difficulty facing day-to-day challenges or mundane tasks like driving
a car or going to work or school
- Withdrawal from social situations
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A manic episode will be accompanied by
at least three of the following symptoms:
- Increased physical and mental activity
- Extreme optimism and self-confidence or feeling anything can be
accomplished no matter how difficult the task
- Grandiose thoughts and feelings of increased self-importance
- Irritable, agitated, angry, nervous, “on edge” or “out
of sorts” for no reason
- Easily distracted
- Aggressive behavior that may include violence
- Decreased need for sleep without feeling tired
- Racing speech and/or thoughts along with excessive talking
- Impulsiveness, poor judgment
- Reckless behavior such as spending sprees, major business decisions,
careless driving and sexual promiscuity
- Delusions and hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that don't
exist)
- Paranoia (someone or something is lurking)
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