What Are the Symptoms of Bipolar I Disorder?
During a manic episode, elevated mood can manifest itself as either euphoria (feeling “high”) or as irritability. Abnormal behavior during manic episodes includes: • Flying suddenly from one idea to the next • Rapid, “pressured” speech • Increased energy, with hyperactivity and decreased need for sleep • Inflated self-image • Excessive spending • Hypersexuality People in manic episodes may spend money far beyond their means, have sex with people they wouldn’t otherwise, or pursue grandiose, unrealistic plans. In severe manic episodes, a person loses touch with reality. They may become delusional and behave bizarrely. Untreated, an episode of mania can last anywhere from a few days to several years. Most commonly, symptoms continue for a few weeks to a few months. Depression may follow shortly after, or not appear for weeks or months. Many people with bipolar I disorder experience long periods without symptoms in between episodes. A minority have rapid-cycling symptoms of mania and depr
