Bipolar affective disorder
Common symptoms
Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder in which depressive episodes may alternate with periods of elevated mood, increased activity, irritability, or hypomanic/manic symptoms. The intensity and duration of episodes are individual, and diagnosis should be made by a qualified psychiatrist.
Possible manic or hypomanic symptoms:
- unusually high energy and activity;
- elevated mood, euphoria, or irritability;
- reduced need for sleep;
- fast speech, racing thoughts, and many plans;
- impulsive decisions, risky behavior, or excessive spending.
Possible depressive symptoms:
- low mood, sadness, hopelessness, or emotional numbness;
- loss of interest in usual activities;
- low energy, fatigue, sleep changes;
- difficulty concentrating;
- thoughts of self-harm or suicide, which require urgent professional help.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on a psychiatric interview, clinical history, symptom analysis, and, when needed, additional examinations. Blood tests or brain scans alone cannot confirm bipolar disorder, but they may help rule out other conditions.
Online tests and self-diagnosis are not enough. Bipolar disorder is a chronic condition that requires professional assessment and an individual treatment plan.
Treatment
Treatment may include medication, psychotherapy, lifestyle recommendations, relapse prevention, and regular psychiatric follow-up. In severe depressive or manic episodes, inpatient care may be necessary for safety and stabilization.
With correctly selected treatment, many patients achieve mood stabilization, remission, and a better quality of life.
About Dr.Zhyvago
Dr.Zhyvago is a psychiatry and psychotherapy clinic in Kyiv. We provide in-person and online consultations, work with adults and adolescents, and use evidence-based approaches in diagnostics, treatment, and long-term support.