Bipolar disorder or manic-depressive mood disorder is a mental health problem that requires medical attention. It can lead to severe mood swings, lack of sleep, low energy, inability to think rationally, and changes in behavior too. Sometimes one may feel happy and energized for a few days and other times he/she may feel hopeless, sad, low, sluggish, and irritated for a few days/ months.
Bipolar I disorder: This includes episodes of Mania and Depression. The symptoms of mania are excessive spending, excessive talking, increased energy, grandiose thinking decreased need for sleep, and jumping from one idea to the next one.
Bipolar II disorder: You will have a major depressive episode and at least one hypomanic episode (periods of milder manic episodes including being energetic, elated, or irritated moods).
Cyclothymic disorder or Cyclothymia: A mild form of bipolar disorder where episodes of hypomania and mild depression may persist for at least two years.
Other common red flags of mania in a bipolar patient are restlessness, poor judgment, impulsiveness, loss of appetite, getting distracted very easily, high sex drive, engaging in reckless behaviors, and making unrealistic plans. During depressive episodes, one will be forgetful, sad, talk slowly, have a low sex drive, lose interest in activities that he/she liked, have trouble sleeping and keeping focus and be unenergetic. Bipolar and related problems can also be seen to be associated with alcohol consumption, drug abuse, and conditions like stroke.
