What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks. Symptoms of bipolar disorder are severe. They are different from the normal ups and downs that everyone goes through from time to time. Bipolar disorder symptoms can result in damaged relationships, poor job or school performance, and even suicide. But bipolar disorder can be treated, and people with this illness can lead full and productive lives.

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SYMPTOMS OF MANIA OR A MANIC EPISODE INCLUDE

Mood Changes

• ​A long period of feeling “high”, or an overly happy or outgoing mood
• Extreme irritability

Behavioral Changes

• Talking very fast, jumping from one idea to another, having racing thoughts
• Being easily distracted
• Increasing activities, such as taking on new projects
• Increasing activities, such as taking on new projects
• Being overly restless
• Sleeping little or not being tired
• Having an unrealistic belief in one’s abilities
• Behaving impulsively and engaging inn pleasurable, high-risk behaviors

SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION OR A DEPRESSIVE EPISODE INCLUDE

Mood changes

• An overly long period of feeling sad or hopeless
• Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, including sex

Behavioral Changes

• Feeling tired or “slowed down”
• Having problems concentrating, remembering, and making decisions
• Being restless or irritable
• Changes in eating, sleeping, or other habits
• Thinking of death or suicide, or attempting suicide

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Screening Tool

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*You should not take this as a diagnosis of any sort, or a recommendation for treatment. However, it would be advisable and likely beneficial for you to seek further diagnosis from a trained mental health professional soon to rule out a possible bipolar disorder.​

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