In the depressed state, the most common bipolar disorder symptom is an inability to feel any kind of happiness or pleasure. It is not unusual to feel fatigue or lethargy or a slowed down feeling during the depressed state. An extreme self-loathing is another very common bipolar disorder symptom during the depressed cycle. The individual is going to withdraw socially, and cry easily and without reason. There will be a lack of emotional control. Another very clear bipolar disorder symptom is the lack of ability to concentrate or remember even the simplest details. The most extreme but not uncommon bipolar disorder symptom during the depressed state is suicidal thoughts and tendencies.

There is no set quantity or amount that an individual will experience all or any bipolar disorder symptom. They may experience severe mood swings several times during their lives, while others will only have them once or twice in a given year or lifetime. It is said that over one percent of the American population has a bipolar disorder symptom or bipolar disorder with all of the symptoms. Bipolar disorder will start as either a manic or a depressed state, not both. Onset of any bipolar disorder symptom is typically around the teen years or in early twenties. There are patients that experience their first bipolar disorder symptom as early as ten years of age. This can be a single symptom such as extreme hyperactivity, or it can be a full blown manic episode. It is not common for onset to occur beyond the age of 50.