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Psychological Symptoms: Entitlement, Mood Swings & Rage

Mental health professionals use the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" (DSM) to correctly diagnose mental disorders. Precisely identifying mental disorders can be difficult, even for professionals. Careful evaluation of behavior is necessary to avoid misdiagnosis. Psychological symptoms of entitlement, mood swings and rage correspond to a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. Scientists have not determined the cause of bipolar disorder (formerly known as manic depression). Sufferers use medication and therapy to control bipolar disorder.

  1. Mood Swings

    • Sufferers of bipolar disoder have extreme mood swings.

      The sudden mood changes associated with bipolar disorder range from sadness and depression to mania and euphoria. The abrupt mood changes are called episodes, and individuals suffering from bipolar disorder exercise little self-restraint or sound judgment during manic and depressive episodes. The periods of unbridled emotion and irresponsibility often lead to devastating consequences.

    Mania

    • Self-control and self-restraint are minimal during a manic episode.

      The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) describes mania as an "overly joyful, over excited" state, but rage and entitlement are also features of mania. The NIMH observes that "People with bipolar disorder also may be explosive and irritable during a mood episode." Symptoms of a manic episode include lack of self-control, rapid speech, inability to sleep, excessive activity, substance abuse, inattentiveness, poor judgment, indiscriminate spending or sexual activity, exaggerated self-importance and a sense of entitlement based on inflated self-esteem.

    Depression

    • The polar opposite of mania is the hopelessness and despair of depression.

      Mania's polar opposite is depression, characterized by a sense of hopelessness and helplessness that often leads to thoughts of suicide. During a depressive episode, individuals have low energy and mood, along with persistent feelings of sadness, worthlessness and hopelessness. They may withdraw from friends, lose interest in activities, suffer low self-esteem and think of suicide and death.

    Types of Bipolar Disorder

    • Hypomania often leads to bad judgment and depression.

      Type I is the most severe form of bipolar disorder. Individuals with type I bipolar disorder have experienced at least one episode of the highest level of mania followed by major depression. Sufferers of type II bipolar disorder suffer lower-level manic episodes, or hypomania. During hypomania, individuals are often more outgoing, friendly and animated and have high energy and a positive attitude. But hypomania often includes irritability, poor decision-making and an episode of depression.

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