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| Discover how DBSA has impacted the lives of individuals living with mood disorders. |
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Signs and Symptoms of Mood Disorders
Depression and bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression) are both highly treatable medical illnesses. Unfortunately many people do not get the help they need because of misunderstanding the issues surrounding the illnesses or the fear associated with stigma. The following information can help you learn more about the signs and symptoms of mood disorders so that you can get the help you need for yourself or a loved one.
Signs and symptoms of depression
- Prolonged sadness or unexplained crying spells
- Significant changes in appetite and sleep patterns
- Irritability, anger, worry, agitation, anxiety
- Pessimism, indifference
- Loss of energy, persistent lethargy
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness
- Inability to concentrate, indecisiveness
- Inability to take pleasure in former interests, social withdrawal
- Unexplained aches and pains
- Recurring thoughts of death or suicide
If you experience five or more of these symptoms for more than two weeks or if any of these symptoms interfere with work or family activities, consult with your doctor for a thorough evaluation. This should include a complete physical exam (some other illnesses can cause these symptoms) open and honest about how you are feeling and and a review of your family’s history.
Signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder differs significantly from clinical depression, although the symptoms for the depressive phase of the illness are similar. People who have bipolar disorder talk about experiencing mood shifts. These swings can be severe, ranging from extreme energy to deep despair. These mood shifts disrupt normal life activities distinguish bipolar mood episodes from ordinary mood changes. The shifts may be mild ranging from sadness to irritability or restlessness.
Symptoms of mania - the "highs" of bipolar disorder
Increased physical and mental activity and energy Heightened mood, exaggerated optimism and self-confidence Excessive irritability, aggressive behavior Decreased need for sleep without experiencing fatigue Grandiose delusions, inflated sense of self-importance Racing speech, racing thoughts, flight of ideas Impulsiveness, poor judgment, distractibility Reckless behavior In the most severe cases, delusions and hallucinations
Symptoms of depression - the "lows" of bipolar disorder
- Prolonged sadness or unexplained crying spells
Significant changes in appetite and sleep patterns Irritability, anger, worry, agitation, anxiety Pessimism, indifference Loss of energy, persistent lethargy Feelings of guilt, worthlessness Inability to concentrate, indecisiveness Inability to take pleasure in former interests, social withdrawal Unexplained aches and pains Recurring thoughts of death or suicide
Other resources:
Symptom checklist
Learn more about finding a mental health professional.
page created: May 9, 2006 |
page updated: December 19, 2006 |
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