Physical Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorders will generally display themselves in one of two phases. Unless, of course, the condition is under control, so to speak, and the individual is really not suffering from any symptoms associated with the disorder. However, if someone is experiencing either a manic phase or a depressive phase of the condition, they will ultimately show some sort of sign. And these signs don't always present themselves as one might think; some people will show actual physical symptoms.

Fatigue

• One of the physical symptoms someone may suffer due to a bipolar disorder, more from a depressive phase than a manic phase associated with the condition, would be fatigue. This symptom would reveal itself as a lack of energy, a lack of motivation or even a sense of apathy. Fatigue is different than being tired, though this feeling may accompany the symptom, so the two shouldn't be confused. This particular symptom could also be described as lethargy.

Sleep Problems

• Another fairly common physical symptom of bipolar disorder would involve the way in which someone sleeps. This can be exhibited in two different ways, depending on the phase of the bipolar disorder. When someone is experiencing a manic phase, he may not sleep or not feel the need to sleep. There may be an abundance of energy that could translate into a sort of insomnia, though the individual may not see it as such, since his brain is fairly active. His attention would be drawn to things that need to be done, not his sleep (or lack there of). When someone is suffering a depressive phase, the reverse may happen, and she may begin to sleep for longer and longer periods of time. This could be partly due to the fatigue or lethargy she is feeling or a coping mechanism as a way to avoid the depressive thoughts. However, the depressive phase may also elicit insomnia, as there may be a preoccupation that would keep the person up at night.

Pain

• Some people who are suffering from depression as a result of bipolar disorder could actually have the physical symptom of pain. This could be partly due to the stress someone would feel while suffering an episode of depression. Prolonged or heightened stress can begin to manifest as physical pain, since the body does release a hormone into the system during stressful times. When there is too much of this hormone, the body reacts. This pain has also been associated with the issues revolving around a person's sleep patterns. If you think about a time when you didn't get enough rest, it most likely began to affect the way you felt, developing into almost an ache in the bones. Now, imagine this lack of rest over a period of time. The aches would eventually become pains.

Weight Problems

• There is also the potential for bipolar disorder, be it during a manic phase or a depressive phase, to provoke a physical symptom involving a person's weight. This can be seen as either a weight gain or a weight loss. With weight gain, it will generally be due to a coping mechanism, as many people will seek comfort in food when emotionally saddened. Depression has this trait within it. With weight gain, it could be due to the depression provoking a loss of appetite or a manic phase when someone doesn't "have the time" to eat, kind of like not having the time to sleep.

Behavior

• This symptom is more in regard to how someone is presenting herself physically, in that some people will exhibit certain physical activities that can indicate a manic or depressive phase. Someone suffering from mania due to bipolar disorder may begin to display certain restless behaviors, like pacing, tapping or other repetitive motions. Someone suffering from depression due to this condition may actually appear sluggish or delayed in normal task or activities.