Symptoms of Early-Onset Bipolar Disorder

• Symptoms of Mania
• Increased mental and physical activity
• An expansive mood; exaggerated optimism
• Inflated sense of self-importance
• Unusual involvement in multiple projects or activities
• Irritable, aggressive
• No fatigue despite lack of sleep
• Rapid speech
• Difficulty connecting thoughts together; impaired judgment
• Impulsive and easily distracted
• Reckless behavior
• Inappropriate or precocious sexual behavior
• Severe delusions and hallucinations in some cases
• Symptoms of Depression
• Long periods of sadness; unexplained crying
• An irritable mood; worry; agitation; anxiety
• Little hope for the future
• Apathetic and lethargic
• Lack of interest in relationships, activities
• Feelings of guilt and worthlessness
• Difficulty with concentration, or making decisions
• Unexplained pains
• Thoughts of death and suicide
• Other Symptoms
• Bedwetting; nightmares
• Separation anxiety
• Change in eating habits, often craving carbohydrates or sweets
• Problems with anger, rages lasting up to several hours
• Rapidly changing moods
• A change in sleep patterns; too much or too little

* Information obtained primarily from the  National Depressive and Manic-Depressive Association

Last Modified on: Friday, March 02, 2007