The symptoms of bipolar disorder vary depending on the type of episode:

• Manic or Hypomanic Episodes: Elevated or irritable mood, increased activity or energy, inflated self-esteem, decreased need for sleep, talkativeness, racing thoughts, distractibility, and engaging in risky behaviors.
• Depressive Episodes: Persistent sadness or low mood, loss of interest in activities, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, difficulty concentrating, changes in appetite or weight, sleep disturbances, and thoughts of death or suicide.

These episodes can last for days to weeks and may significantly impact daily functioning.