People with bipolar disorder often have cycles of elevated and depressed mood that fit the description of “manic depression.” People with bipolar disorder may experience mood swings, sadness, elevated mood, anger, anxiety, apathy, apprehension, euphoria, general discontent, guilt, hopelessness, loss of interest, or loss of interest or pleasure in activities. They may be irritable, engage in risky or disorganized behavior, display aggression, agitation, crying, an excessive desire for sex, hyperactivity, impulsivity, or self-harm. They may experience unwanted thoughts, delusion, lack of concentration, racing thoughts, slowness in activity, or delusions of grandeur and a false belief of their superiority; depression, manic episodes, agitated depression, or paranoia.

Those with bipolar disorder have difficulty falling asleep or excessive sleepiness, and physical fatigue or restlessness; experience weight gain or weight loss. Rapid and frenzied speaking is also common.

When experiencing a manic episode, a patient often has high energy levels with reduced need for sleep. Less often, people may experience psychosis. Depression symptoms include feeling sad, low energy, low motivation, or loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities. At their worst, depressive episodes may lead to thoughts of suicide.

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