Likewise, manic episodes have also different symptoms. These are racing thoughts, chattiness, need to reduce sleep, flying ideas, distractibility, and magnified self-confidence. Others include increased enthusiasm for activities that are goal-directed, and superfluous extreme involvement in enjoyable activities including sexual indiscretions or wild shopping,

According to DSM IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual) of the APA (American Psychiatric Association), once mood disturbances are experienced by a person such as persistent, unexplained euphoria together with three symptoms or more for a minimum of one week, thus affecting the ability of the person to function properly and become productive, then he or she is displaying a manic episode. These symptoms must not be caused by medical conditions or drug abuse to belong in the criteria of a manic episode.

Look closely on Bipolar I and Bipolar II disorders. A person is having a Bipolar I disorder if he or she experiences a single manic episode along with a depression episode. A person is having a Bipolar II disorder if he or she experiences at least a single hypomania episode without the presence of manic episodes. Never be confused. The only difference is that one of the symptoms of a manic episode is experienced by a person having a Bipolar I disorder.

It should not be mistaken that bipolar disorder is classified into two types to grade the severity of the above mentioned symptoms. Bipolar I and Bipolar II are used only to differentiate how a person experienced a manic episode. The classification of the disorders is based on the occurrence degree of the mania than the impairment levels causing the disorder.

Bipolar disorder affects every person differently. The people who have been diagnosed with a Bipolar I disorder have displayed different degrees of distress, impairment, and adaptation. Large spectrum of variations on each level can be determined. This case is also similar for those people who are affected by a Bipolar II disorder.

It is advisable to learn everything about the mental disorder in case you are diagnosed with a bipolar disorder or know someone having the disorder. Talk to a doctor to find useful information and appropriate treatment. Educating oneself regarding bipolar disorder can also help your family, friends, and other important person in your life to also learn. Never forget that this is your first step to recover and live a more healthy life.