Recognizing bipolar symptoms is the first and most important step to understanding the complex world of a person living with this disorder. We all experience mood swings, but the ups and downs of this mood state are much more intense, longer and more destructive than everyday experiences. This disorder is like a coin with two sides: one side is mania with endless energy and the other side is depression with deep sadness. Understanding these signs will help us avoid mislabeling and find the right path to help. This article will help you accurately identify bipolar symptoms. Mania in the investigation of bipolar symptoms One of the most characteristic features of bipolar disorder is the presence of periods of high mood and abnormal energy, which are called "mania" or, in a milder form, "hypomania". This state goes far beyond the normal feeling of being happy or energetic. In fact, it is a dramatic change in a person's behavior and performance that is clearly visible to those around them. Understanding the difference between these two conditions is very important for diagnosing the type of disorder and can determine the course of treatment. ### Symptoms of mania A manic episode is a psychiatric emergency characterized by extremely high mood, extreme irritability, and explosive energy. This condition is so severe that it seriously disrupts the person's work, social and relationship performance, and sometimes hospitalization is needed to control it. During this period, a person's judgment is greatly reduced and he may do impulsive and risky things. The key symptoms of mania are: - Extreme euphoria and happiness or extreme irritability and anger - False self-confidence and grandiose beliefs about one's abilities - Severe reduction in the need for sleep (for example, a person is very energetic with 2-3 hours of sleep) - Abnormal talkativeness and fast and non-stop talking - Jumping thoughts or the feeling that thoughts are racing in the mind - Strong increase in purposeful activities or mental-motor restlessness - Carrying out risky behaviors such as excessive spending, unreasonable investments or risky sexual relations ### Symptoms of hypomania Hypomania is a milder and shorter version of mania. In this case, the person experiences the same symptoms of high mood and increased energy, but their intensity is less and usually does not seriously impair his performance. During hypomania, a person may seem very energetic, creative, social, and even enjoy this state. However, this condition is still a warning sign because it usually occurs before or after an episode of severe depression and indicates mood instability. Pole of depression: the heaviness of a dark shadow The polar opposite of mania is a period of depression, which can be just as debilitating. Depression in this mood disorder is different from the normal sadness that we all experience. It is a pervasive feeling of emptiness, hopelessness and loss of interest in all the pleasurable activities of life. A person's energy drops drastically and doing the simplest things, like getting out of bed or taking a shower, becomes a huge challenge. This period can make it difficult to concentrate and make decisions and is associated with feelings of guilt and worthlessness. The severity of these symptoms is such that it casts a shadow on all aspects of a person's life, and in severe cases, it can be associated with thoughts of death or suicide, which requires immediate intervention. The main symptoms of depression are: Feeling sad, empty, or deeply hopeless most days Loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were previously attractive - Extreme fatigue and lack of energy - Significant changes in appetite or weight (loss or gain) - Sleep problems (insomnia or hypersomnia) - Feeling of restlessness or slowness in movement and speech - Excessive feelings of worthlessness or guilt Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions Other bipolar symptoms The clinical picture of this disorder is not always easily separated into two poles of mania and depression. Sometimes symptoms appear in more complex ways that make diagnosis more difficult. Recognizing these lesser-known patterns is critical to fully understanding the condition, as these episodes can be particularly challenging and dangerous and require their own unique treatment approaches. ### Mixed Episodes One of the most dangerous aspects of this disease is experiencing mixed periods. In this case, the person simultaneously experiences the symptoms of mania and depression. Imagine that a person has very high energy, jumpy thoughts and restlessness of a mania period, but at the same time experiences feelings of hopelessness, emptiness and negative thoughts of a depression period. This combination is very disturbing and dangerous, because the high energy of mania can be the driving force to act out the despairing thoughts of depression, greatly increasing the risk of suicide. ### Psychotic Symptoms In very severe periods of mania or depression, a person may lose touch with reality and experience symptoms of psychosis. These symptoms are usually in harmony with the person's mood. For example, during an episode of severe mania, a person may experience grandiose delusions (eg, believing that they have a supernatural power). During a major depressive episode, he may experience delusions of guilt or absurdity (for example, believing he caused a disaster). Identification of bipolar symptoms and basic treatment at Neurali Center If you or someone close to you is experiencing some of the symptoms listed above, remember that the first step is observation and awareness, but the most important step is to take action to get a professional evaluation. Trying to manage these symptoms alone can be very exhausting and ineffective. Accurate diagnosis is the key to achieving an effective treatment plan and returning to a stable life. At Neurali Mental Health and Counseling Center, our team of experts in the field of diagnosis and treatment of mood disorders have the necessary experience and knowledge to accurately assess your condition. Using comprehensive clinical interviews and standardized diagnostic tools, we help you gain a clear understanding of your condition. Contact our experts at Noorali for a detailed assessment.