Bipolar Disorder Self-Test and Symptoms: A 2025 U.S. Signs Checklist

Understanding Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder involves mood changes that affect energy, sleep, behavior, judgment, and daily functioning. These mood shifts include:

• Mania: A state of elevated mood, hyperactivity, irritability, and sometimes psychosis, which can disrupt life profoundly.
• Hypomania: A milder form of mania with similar symptoms but less severe impairment.
• Depression: Periods marked by sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest that interfere with daily activities.

Mood episodes can last several days or longer and may happen rarely or multiple times a year. Between episodes, emotional stability can return, but some experience frequent or mixed mood states.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

Signs of Mania or Hypomania

Manic or hypomanic episodes usually include at least three of the following symptoms:

• Heightened energy: Feeling unusually energetic or restless.
• Euphoria or irritability: Excessive happiness or quickly shifting to anger.
• Decreased need for sleep: Feeling rested after only a few hours of sleep.
• Rapid speech: Talking faster than usual or feeling unable to stop.
• Racing thoughts: Mind jumping quickly from one idea to another.
• Impulsive or risky behavior: Engaging in activities without regard for consequences, such as reckless spending or unsafe sex.
• Increased goal-directed activity: Taking on many projects or tasks at once.
• Distractibility: Difficulty focusing or being easily thrown off task.
• Inflated self-esteem or grandiosity: Overestimating abilities or believing one has special powers.
• Excessive involvement in pleasurable activities: Sometimes ignoring risks or responsibilities.

Mania can sometimes include psychosis, such as hallucinations or delusions (e.g., believing you have special powers or are a very important person). Hypomania usually lacks psychosis and severe impairment but still signals the disorder.

Signs of Depressive Episodes

Depressive phases commonly present with five or more of the following symptoms lasting at least two weeks and interfering with daily life:

• Prolonged sadness or emptiness
• Loss of interest or pleasure in most activities
• Fatigue or loss of energy
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
• Significant changes in appetite or weight
• Sleep disturbances: Sleeping too much or too little
• Psychomotor agitation or retardation: Being restless or slowed down physically
• Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
• Trouble performing daily responsibilities at work, school, or socially

Different Types of Bipolar Disorder

There are several types of bipolar disorder, each characterized by the pattern and severity of mood episodes:

• Bipolar I Disorder: At least one manic episode lasting a week or longer, often accompanied by depressive episodes.
• Bipolar II Disorder: Includes hypomanic episodes and longer or more frequent depressive episodes without full manic episodes.
• Cyclothymic Disorder: Long-lasting milder mood swings with alternating hypomanic and depressive symptoms for at least two years.
• Unspecified Bipolar Disorder: Mood symptoms causing distress or impairment but not meeting criteria for the other types.

About Bipolar Disorder Self-Assessment Tools

Self-assessment tools, such as the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ), can help indicate whether professional evaluation might be warranted. The MDQ lists symptoms associated with mania and depression and asks about their frequency and impact on life. However, the MDQ is not a diagnostic tool.

Research indicates that tools like the MDQ may not always differentiate bipolar disorder from other mental health conditions, such as borderline personality disorder. Therefore, a positive result should always be followed by a professional clinical evaluation.

When and How to Consider Professional Help

If you notice mood swings involving high energy and euphoria alternating with depression that affect your daily life or relationships, consulting a healthcare professional is advisable. Steps you can take include:

• Track Symptoms: Keep a diary documenting mood changes, sleep patterns, behaviors, and energy levels.
• Communicate Openly with Your Doctor: Share your symptoms, family history of mood disorders, and any substance use, which may influence diagnosis.
• Request a Referral: A primary care provider can refer you to a psychiatrist or mental health specialist for a thorough assessment.

Diagnosing bipolar disorder involves:

1. A detailed mental health assessment comparing symptoms to DSM-5-TR criteria.
2. Physical exams and tests to rule out other causes, such as thyroid problems.
3. Screening for co-occurring conditions, including substance use or ADHD.

Important Factors in Diagnosis and Safety

Symptoms of bipolar disorder may overlap with other mental health conditions, which sometimes leads to misdiagnosis, especially if evaluations focus only on depressive episodes. Informing your healthcare provider about any manic or hypomanic symptoms helps to avoid inappropriate treatments such as using antidepressants alone, which may trigger manic episodes.

Because bipolar disorder can be associated with increased risks of suicide and self-harm, it is important to seek immediate support if suicidal thoughts or behaviors occur. Resources such as the U.S. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provide free and confidential assistance 24/7.

Approaches to Managing Bipolar Disorder in 2025

Bipolar disorder is a chronic condition that can often be managed with a treatment plan tailored to the individual, which might include:

• Medications: Mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and sometimes antidepressants under medical supervision.
• Psychotherapy: Approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, psychoeducation, and family therapy.
• Lifestyle Management: Maintaining regular sleep patterns, managing stress, and building support networks.

Early diagnosis and consistent treatment can contribute to reducing the frequency and impact of mood episodes.

Recognizing signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder is an important step toward seeking help. Symptoms such as elevated energy, reduced need for sleep, impulsivity, and inflated self-esteem may be associated with manic episodes, while prolonged sadness, fatigue, and suicidal thoughts may indicate depressive episodes. Self-assessment tools like the MDQ may assist in identifying possible bipolar disorder but are not definitive. Diagnosis requires a professional clinical evaluation, and treatment plans are individualized to help manage symptoms. If mood swings significantly affect your daily life or safety, it is recommended to seek professional support.

Sources

• Mayo Clinic - Bipolar disorder
• Healthline - Is It Bipolar Disorder? Signs and Symptoms to Look For
• Healthgrades - Bipolar Disorder Test: A Guide to Diagnosis

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