[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2021\/06\/bipolar-disorder-signs\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2021\/06\/bipolar-disorder-signs\/","headline":"What Are the Signs of Bipolar Disorder?","name":"What Are the Signs of Bipolar Disorder?","description":"When is depression a symptom of bipolar disorder? Here are the signs that it may be bipolar disorder \u2014 and treatments that can help.","datePublished":"2021-06-25","dateModified":"2022-05-12","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/behavioral-health-regions","name":"UPMC Western Behavioral Health","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/behavioral-health-regions","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/behavioral-health\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/072018_depressionoverview-edited.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/072018_depressionoverview-edited.jpg","height":327,"width":754},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2021\/06\/bipolar-disorder-signs\/","about":["Health Topics A-Z","Mental Health"],"wordCount":719,"articleBody":"Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder that has two distinct phases. One is a depressive phase where people experience typical symptoms of depression. The other is a manic phase where the people have a lot of energy and feel “wired” or even “high.”People with bipolar disorder alternate between feeling depressed and euphoric (manic). They also can have periods where they feel normal.Periods of depression or mania can last for extended periods of time. Sometime people experience 4 or more episodes of depression or mania within a 1-year period. Doctors call this “rapid cycling” bipolar disorder because the person switches quickly between the phases.Below are answers to common questions about bipolar disorder.What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder?People with bipolar disorder alternate between feeling depressed and manic. If you are concerned that you or a loved one may have bipolar disorder, it’s important to know the symptoms of each phase. Different people can have symptoms that are more or less extreme.Signs of depression include:Feeling sad or hopelessFatigue or lack of energy, so much so that it’s hard to do anythingSleeping too much or having trouble sleepingIncreased appetite and weight gainTrouble concentrating, even on basic daily tasksSigns of mania include:Feeling “high”Feeling “wired” or “jumpy,” like you’ve had too much caffeineInsomnia or reduced need for sleepLoss of appetiteRacing thoughtsDoing risky things, drinking a lot of alcohol, driving recklessly, having a lot of casual sex, overspendingFeeling overconfident, like you can do anythingDifferent types of bipolar disorder have different symptoms. A person may have a mixed episode, when elements of depression and mania occur at the same time. And some people have times when they feel normal and don’t have depression or mania.Some people with bipolar disorder have symptoms that are less severe. For example, they may have periods of hypomania, a less extreme form of mania. During these periods, the depression is gone. They may feel energetic and upbeat and get things done.Other people with bipolar disorder may have full-on manic episodes, but milder forms of depression.Just because someone’s symptoms aren’t extreme doesn’t mean they don’t have bipolar disorder. The only way to know is to talk to your doctor or a psychiatrist.How Is Bipolar Disorder Different From Other Mental Health Disorders?On the surface, bipolar disorder can seem similar to depression \u2014 at least when someone is having a depressive episode. What distinguishes bipolar disorder from other types of depression is that people also experience periods of mania.It’s this cycling between two extremes that is the hallmark of bipolar disorder.What Are the Treatment Options for Bipolar Disorder?Treatment for bipolar disorder includes a combination of prescription medicine, talk therapy, and lifestyle changes. In extreme cases, people may require hospitalization for their own safety. This is because people with extreme depression can become suicidal \u2014 and people with extreme mania may take life-threatening risks.Medicine treatments for bipolar disorderThere are many medicine options available for treating bipolar disorder. These include:Antidepressants to treat the depressive portion of the disorder.Mood stabilizers and antipsychotics to treat the manic portion of the disorder.Sleep medicines for insomnia (not uncommon for people during a manic episode).Anti-anxiety medicines if you are also experiencing anxiety.Talk therapy and lifestyle changes to treat bipolar disorderYour doctor may suggest talk therapy with a mental health counselor. This can help you learn new habits and use positive “self-talk” to improve your life.Your doctor also may recommend these and other lifestyle changes to help manage symptoms:Get regular aerobic\/higher-intensity exercise, such as jogging, biking, or swimming. Exercise, especially vigorous exercise, can boost your mood and improve sleep. Even a daily 30-minute walk will help.Create better sleep habits, like consistent bedtimes and wake times, and avoiding screens and caffeine in the evening.Limit exposure to light and devices before bed. This can help you fall asleep more easily.Avoid caffeine and large meals in the evening. This can also help improve sleep.For more information, call UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital at 1-877-624-4100 or 412-624-1000.SourcesNational Institute of Mental Health, Bipolar Disorder. LinkDepression and Bipolar Support Alliance, Types of Bipolar Disorder."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2021","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2021\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"06","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2021\/\/06\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"What Are the Signs of Bipolar Disorder?","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2021\/06\/bipolar-disorder-signs\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]