What are bi-polar symptoms?

Bipolar disorder is characterized by extreme swings in mood, activity levels, and energy. These swings can be from periods of mania or hypomania (elevated mood and activity) to periods of depression (low mood and activity). During manic or hypomanic episodes, people may experience increased energy, racing thoughts, distractibility, decreased need for sleep, impulsive behavior, increased sexual desire, and grandiose thinking. During depressive episodes, people may experience low mood, anhedonia (loss of interest in activities), changes in appetite or sleep, psychomotor retardation or agitation, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, and thoughts of death or suicide. In addition to these mood swings, people with bipolar disorder may also experience anxiety, irritability, impaired concentration, and psychotic symptoms (such as hallucinations or delusions).