Manic Depression Symptoms

Manic depression symptoms include extreme mood swings, from very high or irritable to depressive and hopeless and back again. These contrasting periods are called episodes of mania and depression. The sufferer also experiences periods of normal mood between these episodes.

Mania Symptoms

Common symptoms of the manic episode include:

• High energy level, intense activity and restlessness 
• Excessively good, euphoric mood 
• Exaggerated irritability 
• Racing thoughts, speaking very fast, jumping from one idea to another 
• Decreased ability to focus 
• Little sleep
• Unrealistic beliefs in own capacities
• Spending sprees
• Poor judgment
• Unusual behavior for a longer period  
• Higher sexual drive 
• Abuse of drugs, alcohol, and sleeping pills
• Aggressive or provocative behavior
• Denial that anything from what he/she does is wrong

A manic episode diagnosis requires either an elevated mood associated with at least three other symptoms or an irritable mood with at least four other symptoms for more than one week.

A milder level of mania is called hypomania. This may feel good to the individual who experiences it and can sometimes be associated with high productivity. Even though friends and family members may notice some manic depression symptoms, the sufferer usually denies it. If left untreated, hypomania can turn into more severe mania forms and can also switch into depression.

Depressive Episode Symptoms

During the depressive episode, the following symptoms are experienced more often:

• Long lasting sad, empty or anxious mood 
• Feelings of hopelessness
• Feelings of excessive guilt, helplessness or worthlessness 
• Decreased interest in activities that used to be enjoyed, including sex 
• Low energy level, tiredness 
• Decreased ability to focus, remember or make decisions 
• Agitation or irritability Sleeping disorders 
• Significant changes in eating patterns and body weight 
• Unexplained physical pain 
• Preoccupation with death and suicide, even suicidal attempts

During a depressive episode, at least five of these symptoms last for most of the day, almost every day for more than two weeks.

Additional Manic Depression Symptoms

More severe manic depression forms can include psychotic symptoms as well, such as hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not actually there) and delusions (false, unreasonable thinking).

These symptoms usually reflect either a mania or depression episode. For example, during mania, common psychotic symptoms are delusions of grandiosity or thinking one is a king or has superhuman powers. During depression, sufferers may feel extremely guilty or think they have committed atrocious crimes.  

Manic depression symptoms characteristic to mania or depression episodes can sometimes occur together in a mixed bipolar state. During this mixed state, symptoms include sleeping disorders, changes in eating patterns, agitation, psychosis and suicidal thoughts. The patient may experience a very sad and low mood, while in the same time having a very high energy level.

Manic depression symptoms are often mistaken for drug abuse, decreased school or work performance or unfortunate relationships. Such problems can actually be the first signs of a mental illness.