Detecting Bipolar Disorder Behavior

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Defined Tag: Bipolar Disorder Behavior.

Bipolar disorder is a condition characterized by recurrent periods of depression with occasional periods of mania.

Mania is typically characterized by an elevation of mood, and increased energy and activity spells. Mania is usually episodic in bipolar disorder behavior but can be chronic in children and teenagers who suffer from the condition. Depression is characterized by a lowering or dip in mood, decreased energy, and anxiety. The two extremes of bipolar disorder behavior usually recur in periods days, weeks, or months, apart.

Some people suffer from mixed episodes. Under such bipolar disorder behavior, symptoms of mania are present along with irritability, anxiety and depression. Mixed episodes of bipolar disorder behavior can occur with both extremes present on the same day.

Manic episodes start abruptly and can last between 2 weeks, to 4-5 months if left untreated. Depressive episodes usually last longer, around 6 months. Both spectrums can lead to social and occupational impairment, sometimes accompanied by irritability and hostile behavior. Severe episodes of bipolar disorder behavior may require hospitalization.

The most common mental disorders associated with bipolar disorder behavior are chronic anxiety, substance use, conduct disorders, eating disorders like anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, sexual dysfunction, attention deficit or hyperactivity, impulse control, and panic disorder.

Core features of bipolar disorder behavior are rather distinct for the two spectrums. Depressive episodes are characterized by sadness, fatigue, sleeping problems, appetite or eating problems, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, suicidal tendencies and self-harm thoughts, poor concentration, a slowing in responses, and poverty of movement. Manic episodes present elation, inflated self-esteem or feelings of grandiosity, decreased need for sleep, reckless or impulsive behavior, over-talkative and racing speech, hyperactivity, poor concentration and attention deficit, persistent denial that anything is wrong, as well as a tendency to be distracted and disorganized.

Associated features of bipolar disorder behavior when the condition is severe in the depressive stage include pain and discomfort, sexual dysfunction, poor overall physical functioning, distrust, economic problems, poor self care. At risk behavior may need hospitalization, and there is a greater risk of increased addiction to substance use. Increased anxiety also heightens panic attacks and phobia, which may progress to psychosis. Mania tends to present severe suspiciousness, economic problems, increased impulsivity and addiction. When these are mixed with depression, it may progress to catatonic stupor and psychosis.