Signs and Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
The information provided below is not comprehensive, but rather provides a general overview of the most common associated features.
The Diagnostic Statistical Manual V (DSM-V) is the standard classification of mental disorders used by mental health professionals in the United States.
To be diagnosed with Bipolar I Disorder, a person must have experienced at least one episode of mania that lasted for at least one week and be present most of the day, nearly every day.
During this one-week period, three or more of the following symptoms must be present and represent a significant change from usual behavior:
The depressive side of Bipolar I Disorder is characterized by a major depressive episode. A person must experience five or more of the following symptoms within a two-week time span:
To receive a diagnosis of Bipolar I Disorder, these symptoms must cause the individual clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. The symptoms must also not be a result of substance abuse or another medical condition.
To be diagnosed with Bipolar I Disorder, a person must have experienced at least one episode of mania that lasted for at least one week and be present most of the day, nearly every day.
During this one-week period, three or more of the following symptoms must be present and represent a significant change from usual behavior:
- Inflated self-esteem or grandiosity
- Decreased need for sleep
- Increased talkativeness
- Racing thoughts
- Distracted easily
- Increase in goal-directed activity or psychomotor agitation
- Engaging in activities that hold the potential for painful consequences, e.g., unrestrained buying sprees
The depressive side of Bipolar I Disorder is characterized by a major depressive episode. A person must experience five or more of the following symptoms within a two-week time span:
- Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day
- Loss of interest or pleasure in all, or almost all, activities
- Significant weight loss or decrease or increase in appetite
- Engaging in purposeless movements, such as pacing the room
- Fatigue or loss of energy
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Diminished ability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness
- Recurrent thoughts of death, recurrent suicidal ideation without a specific plan, or a suicide attempt
To receive a diagnosis of Bipolar I Disorder, these symptoms must cause the individual clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. The symptoms must also not be a result of substance abuse or another medical condition.
If you would like to be evaluated for Bipolar Disorder or seek pharmacological treatment.