Bipolar disorder is a mental disorder that is characterized by severe extreme mood swings. People with this disorder experience alternating periods of depression and euphoria. The disorder is sometimes called manic-depressive disorder. Everyone experiences mood swings, but the mood swings that a person experiences with bipolar disorder are so intense that they interfere with his or her daily life.
The good news is that people with bipolar disorder can live a relatively normal life with this disorder if they get the right treatment. That is why if people notice any unusual symptoms, then they should seek help as soon as possible. Below is a list of common bipolar disorder symptoms:
Cognitive Impairment
Forgetfulness and memory lapses are signs of cognitive impairment. People may also have trouble learning new things, making decisions and concentrating on tasks. This cognitive impairment can range from mild to severe. This is a symptom of bipolar disorder that is often overlooked.
Psychosis
It is common for people with bipolar to experience delusions and hallucinations. In fact, it is estimated that a person has a 70 percent chance of experiencing psychosis during the manic episode. The symptoms of psychosis can mimic the symptoms of schizophrenia, which is another mental disorder. However, people with bipolar disorder only have symptoms during the manic or depressive phase. They do not have psychosis when they are not experiencing depression or mania.
Aggressive And Violent Behavior
People with bipolar disorder are often aggressive. People who are usually mild-mannered can quickly turn violent during a manic episode. If a person uses drug and alcohol, then he or she may become more aggressive.
Families often suffer in silence because they are afraid to report their loved ones. However, the key to preventing violent behavior is to get this disorder under control.
Inability to Complete Tasks
This is another one of the bipolar disorder symptoms that is often overlooked. People may have a lot of energy during the manic phase, which is why they may have trouble completing tasks. They may also have trouble planning ahead. Additionally, they may start several projects that they never complete.
When a person is in the depressive phase, he or she may lack the motivation needed to complete the project. The inability to concentrate can also make it difficult for people to complete tasks. That is why people with bipolar disorder may have problems at home and work.
Irritability
Some people with bipolar disorder experience what is called mixed mania. This means that they experience the manic and depressive symptoms at the same time. When a person is in this phase, they may become very irritable. Everyone has bad days and can be irritable. That is why it is easy to ignore this symptom.
However, people with bipolar disorder may experience frequent irritability. This irritability can be so severe that it interferes with a person’s relationships. People may complain that they are irritable all of the time and cannot control it.