Understanding Bipolar Symptoms

Each of the 2 phases of bipolar disorder, mania and depression, has its own set of symptoms. Some people may have a "mixed episode," in which they have manic and depressive symptoms at the same time. The severity of the symptoms can vary from person to person–and can change as the illness progresses.

Symptoms of Bipolar Mania

The main feature of a manic episode is an excessively "high" mood (euphoria) or an abnormally irritable mood. The mood must last for a week or more (less time if the person has to go to the hospital). Along with the euphoria or irritability, a person has 3 or 4 of the following symptoms:

Inflated sense of self-importance (eg, may have grandiose delusions or overestimate abilities and talents)
Decreased need for sleep (eg, may go days without sleep and not feel tired)
Loud, rapid speech (eg, may talk nonstop)
Racing thoughts (eg, may abruptly jump from one subject to another)
Distractibility (eg, may not be able to screen out irrelevant details)
Agitation or restlessness (eg, may pace or hold multiple conversations at once)
Increase in goal-oriented activities (eg, may have an increased sex drive or become excessively and inappropriately social)
Unwise involvement in pleasurable but potentially risky activities (eg, may rack up significant debt, have sex with strangers, abuse drugs, or make rash investment decisions)

Symptoms of Bipolar Depression

A person in the midst of a major depressive episode experiences extreme sadness or numbness almost all day, every day, for at least 2 weeks. Or they may show a loss of interest in or enjoyment from their favorite activities. In addition, the person shows signs of at least 4 of the following nearly every day:

Significant changes in appetite and/or weight (eg, may crave specific foods or be unable to eat)
Sleep problems (eg, may have insomnia or sleep too much)
Loss of energy or fatigue (eg, may take much longer to do simple, everyday tasks)
Trouble concentrating (eg, may have a hard time making decisions or focusing on work)
Slowed speech, thinking, or body movements (eg, may take a long time to answer a question)
Inappropriate feelings of guilt or worthlessness (eg, may fixate on perceived failings)
Agitation or restlessness (eg, may not be able to sit still)
Recurring thoughts of death or suicide (eg, may have plans for how to commit suicide)

ZYPREXA is not indicated for depression.

Talk to Your Doctor

If you have additional questions or concerns about this topic, talk to your doctor.

You may also want to take the Mood Disorder Questionnaire and share your results with your doctor.

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