Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder in Men

Bipolar Disorder is a medical condition known as a depressive disorder. It affects the brain's chemistry and functions. Because it does, it has different results depending on the individual. The commonality of bipolar disorder across patients is that it is characterized by episodes of mania and depression. The way these patients act, feel or think is all dependent upon the type of bipolar disorder, brain chemistry, and the patient's gender.

Mania Symptoms

• The manic episodes of bipolar disorder exhibit the following symptoms: hyperactivity, acting impulsively, difficulty concentrating, racing thoughts, inflated self opinions, excessive talking, and less need for sleep

Depression Symptoms

• The depressive episodes of bipolar disorder exhibit the following symptoms: feeling sad, anxious, hopeless, or negative for a significant period of time, difficulty remembering or concentrating on things, difficulty making decisions, lack of enjoyment for usual activities, eating and sleeping pattern changes, and suicidal thoughts.

Associated Symptoms

• According to research made available through the U.S. Library of Medicine and the National Institute of Health, men with bipolar disorder will more often have problems with--and exhibit signs of--substance abuse, particularly during manic episodes.

Effects

• The behavioral patterns and mood swings symptomatic of bipolar disorder are often perceived wrongly by men to be a character flaw or sign of weakness, the result of which leads fewer men to pursue proper diagnosis and treatment.

Misconceptions

• Bipolar disorder occurs just as frequently in men as it does in women.

Rapid Cycling

• Rapid cycling bipolar disorder (symptomatically characterized by four or more manic-depressive episodes occurring within one year) is more common in men than it is in women.