Recognizing the Bipolar Early Signs: A Guide to Early Detection
Understanding Bipolar Disorder
What Is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings. This disorder can occur for anyone, regardless of race or gender, though diagnoses tend to happen in teenage to adult years. Mood swings can affect sleep, energy, activity, judgment, behavior, and the ability to think clearly.
Some classify mood swings with the term “manic episodes,” in extreme cases. These episodes may occur rarely for some, and multiple times a year for others. Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, but it can be managed with a treatment plan.
Identifying Bipolar Disorder Symptoms
People With Bipolar Disorder
Depressive Symptoms
Whether someone is having a manic episode or not, they may still express a variety of symptoms indicative of bipolar disorder. The following are commonly found signs of depression, but are also considered bipolar disorder symptoms:
- Feeling sad or empty
- Loss of interest in activities
- Changes in appetite
- Sleep changes
- Fatigue
- Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability
- Loss of energy
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Depressed mood
- Drug and alcohol abuse
- Risky behavior
Common Signs of Depression
It can seem difficult to tell whether a person is showing signs of bipolar disorder or depression, so here are some differences you may notice in those suffering from depression only:
- Feeling hopeless or helpless
- Loss of pleasure in activities
- Changes in appetite or sleep
- Fatigue or loss of energy
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Feeling restless or irritable
- Physical symptoms such as headaches or stomachaches
- Substance abuse
When to Seek Help
Many people feel lost or don’t know how to manage bipolar disorder or other mental health conditions. People with bipolar disorder symptoms should seek help as soon as they realize that their symptoms of bipolar disorder are interfering with their daily life. If you or someone you knows have any symptoms of depression or mania, see a mental health professional at Camelback Integrated Health and Wellness for help on the journey to regain control.
Unfortunately, bipolar disorder doesn’t get better on its own, so partnering with professionals is the best way to find relief from manic symptoms.
Manic and Hypomanic Symptoms
10 Signs of Mania and Hypomania
Bipolar episodes can be classified into several different categories, two of which are called manic episodes and hypomanic episodes. Mania and hypomania are periods of extreme or heightened mood swings. Signs may include:
- Increased energy and activity
- Reduced need for sleep
- Increased talkativeness
- Racing thoughts
- Distractibility
- Increased self-esteem
- Decreased need for sleep
- Increased goal-directed activity
- Increased talkativeness
- Increased distractibility
Some of these symptoms don’t necessarily sound like a bad thing, except when the crash comes in. The onset of these big feelings and bursts of energy can leave people with bipolar disorder feeling depleted or cause depressive episodes.
What’s the Difference between Mania and Hypomania?
Manic episodes are often more extreme than hypomanic episodes. Mania can last anywhere from a few days to months, whereas hypomania might last around two or more days. The main difference lies in the severity of the episode.
A Few Types of Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar I Disorder
Bipolar I disorder is considered the most mild diagnosis. Displaying depressive symptoms, bipolar symptoms like a manic episode or a major depressive episode, or mood changes can all be signs of bipolar I disorder.
Bipolar II Disorder
Bipolar II disorder is a slightly more intense version of bipolar I. It is also often characterized by depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes, though it is a separate diagnosis from bipolar I disorder. Symptoms can vary from person to person and over time, but a formal diagnosis generally requires at least one hypomanic episode and one major depressive episode.
Cyclothymic Disorder
Cyclothymic disorder is considered a very mild form of bipolar disorder. Symptoms of bipolar disorder are less severe, though they still include many mood swings and changes in energy or activity levels.
Recognizing Bipolar Disorder in Children and Teens
Symptoms in Young People
It can be hard to identify symptoms of bipolar disorder in children, though when they reach teenage years, symptoms often become more clear. Some symptoms of bipolar disorder in teens might include:
- Mood swings
- Irritability
- Changes in appetite
- Sleep changes
- Fatigue
Because these can also be attributed to hormonal changes happening within children and teens, a self diagnosis can be difficult. If you have suspicions or questions about whether your child may be dealing with bipolar disorder, simply reach out to the expert team at Camelback for help with a formal diagnosis.
Importance of Early Detection
Though many teenagers experience mood swings and highs and lows, early detection of bipolar disorder can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Accurately diagnosing bipolar disorder requires a skilled mental health professional like those at Camelback Integrated Health and Wellness.
Co-occurring Conditions and Risk Factors
Substance Abuse and Bipolar Disorder
Substance abuse involves the use of substances like drugs or alcohol in a way that’s harmful for the person’s mental and physical health. Substance use disorder may be three to six times higher among people with bipolar disorder than in the general population. If you or someone you know struggles with alcohol or drug abuse, seeking help from qualified professionals is key.
Co-occurring Mental Health Conditions
Many people with bipolar disorder also have other mental disorders or conditions such as anxiety disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or eating disorders. Bipolar disorder symptoms can often disguise themselves within other mental health conditions, which is why consulting a professional is so important in receiving a true diagnosis and proper treatment.
Risk Factors for Developing Bipolar Disorder
Factors that may increase the risk of developing bipolar disorder or act as a trigger for the first episode include:
- Family history
- Brain chemistry
- Traumatic or big life events
Seeking Professional Help
When to See a Professional
If you have any symptoms of bipolar disorder, depressed mood disorders, manic episodes, or other symptoms or related disorders, see about finding a mental health professional. Bipolar disorder is not uncommon, but it won’t treat itself.
When to Get Emergency Help
Suicidal thoughts and behavior are common among people with bipolar disorder. If you have thoughts of hurting yourself, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.