• An elevated or irritable mood which is often jovial and joking but is unstable.There can be extreme irritability and hostility
• Overabundant energy and activity and rapid, pressured speech
• A rush of ideas
• Impulsive and inappropriate behavior
• Grandiose delusions (e.g. delusions of inventive genius or aristocratic birth)
• Overoptimistic about one’s abilities
• Severe insomnia

The first symptoms of BD often present at 15 to 19 years of age. ² There is often a family history of bipolar disorder, as well as a history of bullying at school and attempts of suicide/self-harm. ⁵

MEN ⁷

• Early onset associated with manic episodes
• Higher probability of childhood antisocial behaviour
• Higher rates of comorbid alcohol abuse/dependence
• Cannabis abuse/dependence
• Pathological gambling

WOMEN ⁷

• More depressive episodes
• Higher rates of comorbid eating disorders
• Weight change
• Insomnia

Bipolar disorder:

• Affects work functioning and is responsible for loss of productivity and increased illness and absenteeism – 72% of bipolar patients receive disability payments ¹
• Is associated with increased substance use/dependence and the excessive use of alcohol, and smoking ^{1, 5}
• Increases the likelihood of having other psychiatric and medical conditions ¹
• Increases the risk of suicide especially during major depressive episodes ⁸

Effective treatment is available for bipolar disorder. However despite advances in medical and non-medical treatments, bipolar disorder often has many relapses and affects psychological functioning. ⁷

Long-term treatment is aimed at preventing manic and depressive episodes. Long-term treatment is strongly recommended because, even after one episode, the chances of having recurrences in a lifetime is 95%. ⁶Treatment of BD is often lifelong, and needs to be reviewed at least every six months. ²

The first step to effective long term treatment is to discuss your symptoms with your general practitioner or a healthcare professional at your local day clinic or hospital.