Bipolar disorder is defined as "an affective disorder characterized by extreme changes in mood ranging from mania to depression- (Seroquel - Glossary). A person with Bipolar disorder has mood swings that range from excessive highs (mania) to deep worthlessness (depression), with periods of normal behavior in between. Mania is "a mood characterized by an unstable expansive emotional state, extreme excitement, excessive elation, hyperactivity, agitation, overtalkativeness, flight of ideas, increased psychomotor activity, fleeting attention, and sometimes violent, destructive, and self-destructive behavior- (Mosby). Depression, on the other hand, is "characterized by feelings of sadness, melancholy, dejection, worthlessness, emptiness, and hopelessness that are inappropriate and out of proportion to reality- (Mosby). It is not unusual for the periods of normality to last longer than the mania or the depression. .
Symptoms and signs of mania include periods of: .
Increased energy, activity, restlessness, racing thoughts, and rapid talking .
Excessive "high" or euphoric feelings .
Extreme irritability and distractibility .
Decreased need for sleep .
Unrealistic beliefs in one's abilities and powers .
Uncharacteristically poor judgment .
A sustained 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 .
Symptoms and signs of depression include periods of: .
Persistent sad, anxious, or empty mood .
Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism .
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness .
Loss of interest or pleasure in ordinary activities, including sex .
Decreased energy, a feeling of fatigue or of being "slowed down" .
Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions .
Restlessness or irritability .
Sleep disturbances .
Loss of appetite and weight, or weight gain .
