Bipolar disorder
What are the symptoms?
Periods of mania may develop quite rapidly over a period of a few days and last for a week or longer. Aspects of mania may include a number (usually three or four) of the following:
- Unreal ideas of an individual's importance;
- Need for less sleep than normal;
- Heightened energy;
- Increased talkativeness;
- Unrealistic new activities;
- Inappropriate behaviour;
- Distracted and agitated behaviour;
- Mood change affecting personal and work life;
- Risky behaviour leading to financial difficulties;
- Possible alcohol and drug related misuse.
In Bipolar Affective disorder the depressive period lasts for at least two weeks and includes at least five of the following:
- Constant low mood for most of the day and nearly every day;
- Sleep disturbance;
- Weeping and extreme sadness;
- Tiredness and lack of energy;
- Lack of interest in most activities;
- Inability to concentrate;
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness and suicide;
- Appetite changes;
- Problems in affection and personal relationships.
Background
| What are the causes? 
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