Possible Symptoms of a Hypomanic Episode (Does not require hospitalization)

  • irritability
  • frustration
  • distractability
  • euphoria
  • racing thoughts
  • sleeplessness
  • rapid speech
  • initiating many projects
  • reckless spending
  • reckless driving

Symptoms of a Manic Episode (More severe version of a hypomanic episode)

  • any combination of the hypomanic symptoms
  • psychosis: delusions, hallucinations, voices
  • grandiosity
  • problems with family, work, law
  • hypersexuality

Symptoms of a Major Depressive Episode

  • severe fog of despair / sadness / loneliness
  • lack of motivation and lack of interest
  • loss of energy; lethargic
  • too much sleep
  • not enough sleep
  • increased appetite
  • decreased appetite
  • thoughts of death

Bipolar depression is more organic than other forms of depression; it’s less about irrational beliefs than it is about brain chemistry.

Note: this information is not intended for self-diagnosis. If you think you or a loved one might have a bipolar-spectrum disorder, please visit a qualified psychiatrist.