What are signs and symptoms of depressive episode of bipolar disorder?
Signs and symptoms of depression (or a depressive episode of bipolar disorder) include: • Lasting sad, anxious, or empty mood • Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness • Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed, including sex • Decreased energy, a feeling of fatigue or of being “slowed down” • Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions • Restlessness or irritability • Sleeping too much, or can’t sleep • Change in appetite and/or unintended weight loss or gain • Chronic pain or other persistent bodily symptoms that are not caused by physical illness or injury • Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts A depressive episode is diagnosed if 5 or more of these symptoms last most of the day, nearly every day, for a period of 2 weeks or longer. Hypomania is a milder form of mania that has similar but less severe symptoms. In a hypomanic episode symptoms are present for at least 4 days. Bipolar Disorder – Bi
