Do I Have Bipolar Disorder? How to Recognize the Signs

Everyone experiences emotional ups and downs. But if your mood swings are extreme, last for days or weeks, and interfere with your ability to function at work, in relationships, or at home, bipolar disorder may be worth exploring with a qualified psychiatrist.

At Next Step Psychiatry in Lilburn, GA, we conduct thorough psychiatric evaluations to help patients across Gwinnett County and the greater Atlanta area get accurate diagnoses and effective treatment.

What Is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder — formerly called manic-depressive illness — is a mood disorder characterized by distinct episodes of mania (emotional highs) and depression (emotional lows). These aren't ordinary mood fluctuations; they're intense shifts in energy, behavior, and the ability to think clearly that can last days to weeks.

The condition affects roughly 2.8% of U.S. adults and can look very different from person to person. Some people experience frequent, severe episodes, while others may go months or years between them.

Symptoms of Mania

Manic episodes — or milder "hypomanic" episodes — may include:

• Feeling abnormally energetic, elated, or euphoric
• Dramatically reduced need for sleep (feeling rested after 2–3 hours)
• Racing thoughts and rapid speech
• Grandiosity — an inflated sense of abilities or importance
• Impulsive, risky behavior (spending sprees, reckless driving, risky sexual encounters)
• Extreme irritability or agitation
• Difficulty concentrating due to racing ideas

Symptoms of Bipolar Depression

Depressive episodes may include:

• Deep sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness
• Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
• Fatigue and very low energy
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Changes in appetite and sleep patterns
• Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
• Thoughts of death or suicide

Why It's Often Misdiagnosed

Bipolar disorder is frequently misdiagnosed as major depression, especially when a patient seeks help during a depressive episode. Without a full history of manic or hypomanic episodes, a provider may not recognize the bipolar pattern. This is one reason why seeing a psychiatrist — someone with specialized training in mood disorders — is so important.

Bipolar symptoms can also overlap with ADHD, anxiety disorders, and personality disorders, making accurate diagnosis challenging without a comprehensive evaluation.

What Causes Bipolar Disorder?

There's no single cause. Contributing factors include:

• Genetics: Bipolar disorder runs in families. Having a first-degree relative with the condition significantly increases risk.
• Brain structure and chemistry: Differences in brain function and neurotransmitter systems play a role.
• Environmental triggers: Trauma, extreme stress, sleep disruption, and substance use can trigger episodes in susceptible individuals.

How to Get Evaluated

If the symptoms above resonate with you, the next step is a psychiatric evaluation. At Next Step Psychiatry, Dr. Aneel Ursani and Fathima Chowdhury, PA-C conduct detailed assessments that include your symptom history, family history, and a discussion of how mood episodes have affected your life.

An accurate diagnosis is the foundation for effective treatment, which may include mood stabilizers (like lithium or Depakote), atypical antipsychotics, therapy, and lifestyle adjustments.

Treatment Options

Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, but with proper treatment, most people achieve significant stability. Our approach at Next Step Psychiatry includes:

• Comprehensive medication management tailored to your specific type of bipolar disorder
• Regular follow-up appointments to monitor progress and side effects
• Coordination with therapists for psychotherapy support
• Spravato® treatment for patients with treatment-resistant depressive episodes