From Manic to Depressed: Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

Some people may have bipolar disorder with mixed symptoms, in which episodes of depression and mania occur together. Symptoms include sadness, euphoria, and irritability. Other symptoms can include agitation, lack of sleep, appetite changes, and possibly, thoughts of suicide. This makes the disorder challenging to treat and very frustrating for you and for those around you. It can also lead to hospitalization if your daily functioning becomes impaired.

In addition to changes in mood, some people with bipolar disorder also have symptoms of anxiety, panic attacks, or symptoms of psychosis.

Symptoms of bipolar disorder in children can be very different than those of adults and can be confused with other childhood mental disorders, such as depression or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Bipolar disorder in children significantly interferes with a child's ability to function in school, with friends, and at home.

Some other conditions with symptoms similar to bipolar disorder include depression, schizophrenia, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

People with bipolar disorder-men more often than women-may have substance abuse problems, especially during manic episodes. Abusing alcohol or drugs may affect treatment and interfere with taking medications as prescribed. Other disorders that may occur along with bipolar disorder include:

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder.
• Panic attacks or panic disorder.

These illnesses need to be treated along with the bipolar disorder.