The person will probably have lost weight without trying to and there will be a noted difference in appetite almost every day. Sleeplessness, extreme fatigue and loss of energy, gross motor skill agitation, as well as a decreased ability to think clearly almost every day are classic bipolar symptoms. In extreme cases, a symptom would also be thoughts of death or suicide attempts or plans that occur on a regular basis.

A depressive episode is a classic bipolar symptom of bipolar disorder. It is characterized by decreased interest and pleasure in daily life and activities and it must last for at least two weeks duration. This episode must be a mood that is different from the individual’s standard mood or routine. It is important to note that this bipolar symptom must also negatively impact the individuals social or occupational functioning and day to day life. It is also shown through depressed emotions or moods through most of the day and almost every day that is reported as a “feeling sad” or “empty” feeling. Observations by others are important to note here as well. The person will probably have lost weight without trying to and there will be a noted difference in appetite almost every day. Sleeplessness, extreme fatigue and loss of energy, gross motor skill agitation, as well as a decreased ability to think clearly almost every day are classic bipolar symptoms. In extreme cases, a symptom would also be thoughts of death or suicide attempts or plans that occur on a regular basis.

A manic episode is clinically defined by a period of elevated mood, usually irritability, for at least a week in length. Again, the bipolar symptoms must be severe enough to cause negative impacts in social or work situations. Unfortunately substance abuse is common among those with bipolar disorder, so the bipolar symptoms can not be the result of this, or by an underlying health condition that is unrelated. Other bipolar symptoms for the manic episodes include exaggerated self-esteem, less sleep required (as little as 3 hours), increased talkativity, making comments or observations that their thoughts are racing, a noticeable increase in goal oriented plans, and an increased involvement in tasks or activities that have a good likelihood for negative or painful outcomes. An example of this would be overspending or sexual promiscuity.

A mixed episode on the other hand requires that it meets the bipolar symptoms of both a manic and depressive episodes every day for about a week’s length in time. Again, the disturbance must be harsh enough to cause impairment in social and work situations and daily life functioning. Also important to note that bipolar symptoms even in a mixed episode can very frequently be confused with the effects of substance abuse or health conditions.

A hypomanic episode is characterized by elevated mood patterns for about 4 days. During this four day period, at least three other of the following bipolar symptoms must be present: increased self-esteem, sleeping less (3 hours approximately), talkativeness, racing thoughts, easily distracted, and a noted increase in activities that would be considered to have a high probability of negative consequences. Again, the mood disturbances will more than likely be noticed by others around the individual. Hypomanic episodes do not have bipolar symptoms that impact day to day or social functioning.