Everyday Mood Fluctuations

Everyday mood swings, in response to stress, sleep, or hormonal changes, are common and typically resolve within hours to a few days, without dramatically disrupting functioning.

Features of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder involves distinct episodes of mania or hypomania and depression, each typically lasting days to weeks, with noticeable changes in energy, sleep need, impulsivity, and behavior beyond a person's usual baseline.

Key Distinctions

Duration, intensity, and the presence of distinct episodes with clear behavioral changes are what separate bipolar disorder from typical mood variability, which tends to be shorter and less extreme.

Getting an Accurate Assessment

Because bipolar disorder can be under- or misdiagnosed, a thorough evaluation, often including a detailed history from the individual and sometimes family members, is important for an accurate diagnosis.

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