Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder is characterized as periods of time lasting at least 4 to 7 days of extreme irritability or euphoria (mania) and periods of time for at least two weeks of sad, depressed mood, or anhedonia (depression). In pregnant and postpartum women, bipolar depression may first appear as severe depression, or even severe anxiety.

Common symptoms for Bipolar 1 and 2 include:

• Unpredictable periods of depression and irritability
• Periods of elated mood
• Rapid speech and thought
• Decreased need for sleep
• Exaggerated sense of self
• Impulsiveness & poor decision making
• Delusions (grandiose and paranoid)
• Anxiety