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.