Bipolar Disorder Symptoms in Women: 18 Signs to Know

Bipolar disorder is a complex mental health condition, and research shows there are significant differences in how it presents in women versus men. At Next Step Psychiatry in Lilburn, Georgia, we understand these distinctions are important for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

Studies have identified several unique features of bipolar disorder in women, including later age of onset, seasonality of symptoms, atypical presentations, and a higher rate of mixed episodes. Understanding these differences can help you recognize symptoms and seek appropriate care.

General Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is characterized by extreme mood swings—episodes of mania (elevated moods and emotional highs) and depressive episodes (emotional lows and depressed moods).

Manic Episode Symptoms (9 Signs)

• Irritability that's out of proportion to situations
• Feeling jumpy or wired
• Decreased need for sleep
• Feeling unusually important or powerful
• Taking on multiple tasks or projects simultaneously
• Loss of appetite
• Poor judgment or engaging in risky behavior
• Racing thoughts that are hard to control
• Rapid speech, jumping between many topics

Depressive Episode Symptoms (9 Signs)

• Persistent fatigue and low energy
• Feeling bad about yourself or low self-esteem
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Eating more than usual
• Feeling hopeless, worthless, or helpless
• Loss of interest in activities you usually enjoy
• Restlessness or feeling slowed down
• Sleeping too much or too little
• Suicidal thoughts or ideas of self-harm

How Bipolar Disorder Differs in Women

Historically, bipolar symptoms in women were sometimes dismissed or misdiagnosed. It's important for mental health professionals to recognize the unique ways bipolar disorder presents in women.

Research shows that women with bipolar disorder are more likely than men with the same condition to experience additional health challenges, including depression as their primary symptom, thyroid issues, and migraine headaches.

Depression Often Comes First

Many women with bipolar disorder initially present with depressive symptoms, which is why they're sometimes misdiagnosed with major depression or other depressive disorders before receiving an accurate bipolar diagnosis. This also results in women being more likely to be diagnosed with Bipolar II.

Rapid Cycling Between Moods

Bipolar II is characterized by more rapid cycling between depressive lows and hypomanic highs. Research suggests a strong connection between these mood cycles and hormonal cycles in women. Changing hormones during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause can affect how severe bipolar symptoms become.

Later Onset of Symptoms

Women tend to see a later onset of bipolar symptoms than men, with most diagnoses occurring in their late twenties. This may partly be because bipolar symptoms in teenage girls are sometimes dismissed as "normal" behavior, particularly hypomanic symptoms that might be attributed to typical adolescence.

Types of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar I: Defined by manic episodes that last at least 7 days, or manic symptoms severe enough to require hospitalization. Depressive episodes typically lasting at least 2 weeks usually occur as well.

Bipolar II: Similar to Bipolar I but without full manic episodes. Instead, individuals experience "hypomanic" episodes that are shorter and less severe.

Cyclothymic Disorder: Often considered less severe, but symptoms persist across years and can still significantly impact daily life.

Treatment for Bipolar Disorder

Treatment is often highly successful in helping manage bipolar symptoms. At Next Step Psychiatry, we typically recommend a combination of medication management and supportive care tailored to each patient's needs.

Medications for bipolar disorders may include mood stabilizers like Lamotrigine (Lamictal) and second-generation antipsychotic medications. Your psychiatrist will work with you to find the right medication regimen with the fewest side effects.

The Importance of a Support Network

In addition to professional psychiatric treatment, social support plays a vital role in managing bipolar disorder. Having consistent support from people who can be there during both high and low points makes a significant difference. Your support network can also help watch for changes in your symptoms and encourage you to stay on track with treatment.

Women's Mental Health Care in Lilburn, Georgia

If you're experiencing signs of bipolar disorder or have concerns about your mental health, the team at Next Step Psychiatry is here to help. We provide comprehensive psychiatric evaluations that account for how conditions like bipolar disorder present differently in women.