What are the signs of bipolar disorder?

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The signature is episodes, not moodiness. Per NIMH, bipolar disorder produces distinct periods of unusually "up," elated, irritable, or energized behavior - manic or hypomanic episodes - alternating with very "down," sad, indifferent, or hopeless depressive episodes. A manic episode looks like: sleeping far less without feeling tired, racing thoughts and rapid speech, inflated confidence or grandiosity, and impulsive behavior with real consequences - spending sprees, sexual risk, quitting jobs - lasting at least a week or requiring hospitalization; hypomania is the same picture at lower volume and shorter duration, without the severe impairment. The depressive pole mirrors major depression: low mood, lost interest, sleep and appetite changes, hopeless thinking. The diagnostic trap worth knowing: people usually seek help for the depressive stretches, so bipolar often gets misread as plain depression for years - mention any high-energy periods explicitly when you talk to a clinician, because antidepressants alone can worsen bipolar cycling. This is very treatable with mood stabilizers and therapy. In crisis: 988 in the US, or your local crisis line. Pymander, a free AI doctor available 24/7 by text, can help you map your history.

What are the signs of bipolar disorder?

Bipolar signs

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