One of the prevailing disorders that many people suffer from is called manic depression or today it is more commonly known as bipolar disorder. The symptoms of bipolar disorder are not detected easily so the patient, the family or the friends may not even be aware of the disorder.

During the early stages, the symptoms of bipolar disorder may be manifested with the use of drugs, alcohol intake and poor work/school performance. If this disorder continues to go untreated it may lead to full-blown bipolar disorder.

A hypomania state is usually one of the first signs that a person may have bipolar disorder. The individual may experience high levels of energy, excessive moodiness, recklessness, irritability. The individual may even feel good about it.

Family and friends will usually be the first to notice the symptoms of bipolar disorder and the person that is suffering from it will probably be in denial about it and they will think that there is nothing wrong.

People that are diagnosed with bipolar disorder will oftentimes experience what are known as episodes. These episodes are categorized into four different types: depression, mania, hypomania and mixed moods.

Each episode that the person may go through will also exhibit their own symptoms. Below is some detailed information on the symptoms of bipolar disorder based on the different episodes.

Symptoms of Depression:

* Feelings of hopelessness, guilt and worthlessness
* Always feeling sad
* Sleeps to much or too little
* Loses interest in certain things
* Poor decision making skills
* Changes in appetite and/or weight
* Poor concentration
* Suicidal thoughts

These symptoms will usually happen consistently throughout the day and the loss of interest is strongly noticed. The person's social, educational or occupational functioning becomes impaired due to these symptoms.

Symptoms of Mania:

* Thoughts jump around
* Experiences increased energy
* Sleeps less
* Becomes very talkative
* Easily loses focus
* Does more risky activities then usual

These symptoms are easily detected and the feelings are often very severe and damaging to the social lives of the individual. Not only is the patient affected, but also the family members, friends, and co-workers. The person will usually have a very hard time trying to cope with these symptoms.

As for the symptoms of the hypomania, they are usually characterized by a persistently expansive, elevated, and irritable mood. These symptoms can last for a couple of days, four at the most.

This episode is not as severe and usually won't cause impairment on a person's social life although some of the symptoms may come as a shock to the person's friends and/or co-workers.

As for the mixed episodes, they are characterized by both depressive and manic episodes daily. These symptoms can last up to a weeks time.

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