The symptoms of bipolar affective disorder usually appear for a set amount of time (an episode) and include certain patterns of behavior. If you experience mania, you may have an unusually elevated mood, be irritable, have increased self-confidence, be more talkative, be easily distracted, have poor judgment or not need much sleep. Episodes of mania can last for long periods of time e. g. a few months. This can lead to physical exhaustion, excessive spending and unwise or inappropriate relationships.
As well as mania or depression, you may have delusions (false beliefs), hallucinations (hearing, seeing, smelling or feeling things that aren't there) and you may find it hard to communicate with people.
Attribution: BUPA
See also:
- Bipolar affective disorder
- Cyclothymia & bipolar affective disorder
- Diagnosis of bipolar affective disorder