Are Mood Swings a Sign of Bipolar Disorder?

Roshan is feeling unusually energetic, like they’re on top of the world. There is an intense energy that is rushing through their body. They do not feel the need to sleep or eat as much as usual. They were able to maintain this energy for a while. But, it was followed by a sudden crash; they feel exhausted and depressed. 

This is a typical experience of someone that is going through a manic episode. If Roshan’s experience seems familiar to you, it might be a good idea to consult a mental health professional. That is because this could be a sign of bipolar disorder, a very complex mental health disorder - and you would benefit greatly from a proper diagnosis and consultation. Bipolar disorder is a condition that is characterised by these manic episodes, which are often followed by periods of severe depressive episodes. 

What is a manic episode?

A manic episode is a period where an individual feels extremely energetic, such that they may feel a reduced need for sleep and may act in extreme ways. 

A typical manic episode will have at least three of the following: 

• An inflated sense of self, that is, they would appear to have unusually high self-esteem and confidence in themselves

• Reduced need for sleep

• Difficulty in maintaining attention

• Talkativeness

• Racing thoughts or flights of ideas

• Increased physical activity or restlessness

• Increased involvement in pleasurable activities, may even lead to dangerous consequences such as excessive alcohol consumption or excessive spending 

What is a depressive episode? 

This is a phase that usually follows the manic phase. After experiencing the highs of a manic phase, there is usually a crash with intense and persistent sadness. A depressive episode will have at least three of the following: 

• Feelings of hopelessness 

• Sadness that persists

• Sleeping too much or too little

• Difficulty in feeling happy        

• Eating too much or too little        

• Irritability 

• Lethargy        

• Restlessness or Anxiety                        

• Slowed thinking        

• Feeling worthless                        

• Hard time focussing on anything        

• Thoughts of self-harm and suicide       

What happens during a manic episode? Is it the same as a mood swing?

An individual who is going through a manic episode might appear like they are happy, outgoing, alert, and confident. However, the experience of a manic episode is much more complicated. A mood swing is simply an abrupt change in an individual’s mood or their emotional state. Everyone experiences mood swings at some point in their life. It might have other underlying causes, such as lack of sleep or stress.  

A manic episode is much more severe. Someone going through a manic episode might have very inflated and grandiose thinking; they might think that they are invincible and can accomplish anything they want to. 

This can cause serious dysfunctions in their day-to-day life: they might act very impulsively, without considering the impact of their actions on themselves. For instance, they might spend an inordinate amount of money on a bizarre business idea that they might have had during the manic episode. They might display an uncharacteristic amount of creativity. They might jump from thought to thought, and may speak much more and louder than usual. During such phases, they will not need a lot of sleep and may spend a large amount of their energy on what appears like outlandish goals. 

Are depressive episodes in bipolar disorder the same as in major depressive disorder?

Another characteristic sign of the bipolar disorder is the depressive phase. This is a phase where the individual experiences the signs of major depressive disorder, such as persistent sadness and hopelessness. In a lot of cases, people with a bipolar disorder start treatment because of depressive episodes. But major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder are not the same. 

In bipolar disorder, the depressive episodes are usually followed by the manic phases. Both of these phases tend to exhibit opposite moods (how a person feels at any given time). Depressive episodes will exhibit signs of low moods, such as intense sadness. On the other hand, the manic phases will consist of the markers of high moods - such as very high levels of confidence and high energy. Major depressive disorder (MDD) symptoms are characterised by low moods. 

Are mood swings really a sign of bipolar disorder?

No, just mood swings are not a sign of bipolar disorder. Manic phases that are seen in Bipolar Disorder are much more severe, as mood swings can be caused due to other reasons such as depression or anxiety. They could also indicate something else is wrong within your body. This is not the case with a manic episode - they are a very manifestation of a mental health condition. 

However, If your mood swings are very frequent and extreme or you think that you have experienced a manic episode, a consultation with a psychiatrist or a doctor would help you figure out how to feel better. 

We understand that manic episodes and mood swings can pose a lot of challenges to you. We’re here for you, and our experts can help you figure out what the next steps are.