Bipolar Disorder is defined as experiencing the highs of mania and the lows of depression. These extremes in emotional highs and lows usually have an impact on family, friends, and relationships in general. The symptoms listed below are experienced during manic episodes.  You may find the symptoms for a depressive episode under the Unipolar Depression Symptoms. Like those of unipolar depression, the symptoms of mania span the same areas: emotional, motivational, behavioral, cognitive, and physical.

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Emotional Symptoms: The mood of a person in mania is often inappropriately euphoric and joyful.  Though the person’s energy is always very high and emotions are strong in mania, the mood is not always so uplifting.  Sometimes those in mania will experience irritability and anger. 

Motivational Symptoms: Those in a manic episode are highly exited, in need of companionship, and are constantly involved in activity. They are constantly looking for people to befriend and are unaware of the overbearing attitude which they are portraying. This way of connecting with people often scares others away.

Behavioral Symptoms: Those in a manic stage are often very active and talk in a high volume. When they talk to people, they are frequently comical and find the need to be clever. Some of their common acts include dressing flashily, giving away money with much abandon, and even getting involved in dangerous activities.

Cognitive Symptoms: Many times people suffering from mania act in poor judgment. Their attitudes are filled with optimism and they display very high self-esteem is high. During the more severe points of mania, sufferers may lose touch with reality.

Physical Symptoms: People in mania are often very energetic and do not require much sleep.  Though those suffering from depression may experience the discomfort of insomnia, those with mania feel that they do not require sleep.