Thought this might be helpful-
From NIMH-
"What Are the Symptoms of Bipolar
Disorder?
Bipolar disorder causes dramatic mood
swings%u2014from overly %u201Chigh%u201D
and/or irritable to sad and hopeless, and
then back again, often with periods of
normal mood in between. Severe changes in
energy and behavior go along with these
changes in mood. The periods of highs and
lows are called episodes of mania and
depression.
Signs and symptoms of mania (or a manic
episode) include:
* Increased energy, activity, and
restlessness
* Excessively %u201Chigh,%u201D overly
good, euphoric mood
* Extreme irritability
* Racing thoughts and talking very
fast, jumping from one idea to another
* Distractibility, can%u2019t
concentrate well
* Little sleep needed
* Unrealistic beliefs in one%u2019s
abilities and powers
* Poor judgment
* Spending sprees
* A lasting period of behavior that is
different from usual
* Increased sexual drive
* Abuse of drugs, particularly
cocaine, alcohol, and sleeping
medications
* Provocative, intrusive, or
aggressive behavior
* Denial that anything is wrong
A manic episode is diagnosed if elevated
mood occurs with three or more of the
other symptoms most of the day, nearly
every day, for 1 week or longer. If the
mood is irritable, four additional
symptoms must be present.
Signs and symptoms of depression (or a
depressive episode) include:
* Lasting sad, anxious, or empty mood
* Feelings of hopelessness or
pessimism
* Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or
helplessness
* Loss of interest or pleasure in
activities once enjoyed, including sex
* Decreased energy, a feeling of
fatigue or of being %u201Cslowed
down%u201D
* Difficulty concentrating,
remembering, making decisions
* Restlessness or irritability
* Sleeping too much, or can%u2019t
sleep
* Change in appetite and/or unintended
weight loss or gain
* Chronic pain or other persistent
bodily symptoms that are not caused by
physical illness or injury
* Thoughts of death or suicide, or
suicide attempts "
Bipolar disorder can involve any
combination of these highs and lows. There
are also hypomanias, which can seem like a
high-functioning, positive experience, or
dysthymia, which is like hypo-depression.
Mixed states are also possible, where one
feels sad, depressed, and energized at the
same time.
Bipolar I is the classic type- recurrent
manic and depressed episodes. Bipolar II
involves episodes of depression mixed with
hypomanic episodes. If 4 or more episodes
occur within a year, it is considered
rapid-cycling.
Medication is the most common treatment
for bipolar disorder. Some therapies, such
as CBT can be useful as well. In cases
where neither work, ect is sometimes used.
Herbal/nutritional supplements such as St.
John's wort or Omega-3 fatty acids have
shown to have some effect, but are not
thoroughly studied. If you plan on using
any supplements, make sure you discuss
them with your doctor- some can have
effects on medication you are taking.
It is important to keep in close contact
with your psychiatrist and monitor you
daily mood, sleep patterns, energy, etc.
so your doctor can adjust your medication
as necessary. Though there is no known
cure for bipolar disorder, it can be
treated.
http://www.nimh.ni
h.gov/health/publications/bipolar-disorder
/complete-publication.shtml
