Bipolar Disorder Signs & Symptoms

Bipolar Disorder Signs & Symptoms

The Albany Clinic • May 9, 2022

You’ve been dealing with extreme mood swings and bouts of depression for several months, and nothing you’ve tried has helped much. As your moods peak and drop, family and friends have mentioned you may be experiencing legitimate mental health issue symptoms – but which one? You may have bipolar disorder, but that can only be determined by knowing its symptoms and warning signs.

Bipolar disorder , once called manic-depressive illness or manic depression, is a mental illness that features unusual shifts in activity levels, concentration, energy, mood, and the means to carry out daily responsibilities. There are three kinds to be aware of: bipolar I disorder, bipolar II disorder, and cyclothymia. Collectively, all three affect nearly 3 million U.S. adults. 

Know the Signs and Symptoms

There are multiple kinds of bipolar disorder and related illnesses to be aware of, each presenting unique symptoms that can only be treated if you understand each one.

  • Bipolar I disorder . In this case, you’ve had one or more manic episodes that may come before or be followed by major depressive or hypomanic episodes. At its worst, the mania could trigger a breakdown from reality, also known as psychosis.
  • Bipolar II disorder may be diagnosed if you’ve had one or more major depressive incidents and one or more hypomanic episodes, but not a manic episode.
  • Cyclothymic disorder means you’ve had two or more years (typically one year for children and teenagers) of multiple episodes of hypomania symptoms and moments of depression symptoms identified as being less severe than major depression.

To be diagnosed with bipolar, you must have had one or more instances of mania or hypomania . Hypomania is a less severe mania that doesn’t feature psychotic episodes. If you have hypomania, you can often do well at school, at work, or home. A defining characteristic of bipolar disorder for many people is they may have numerous episodes of mania or hypomania during their lives. Still, in some cases, others may only have them infrequently.

Another key point: People in manic states don’t recognize the negative consequences of what they’re doing. Unfortunately, suicide is a constant danger because some can resort to suicidal tendencies even in manic states. If you have bipolar disorder, it’s essential to learn from previous incidents which behavior herald warning signs of manic behavior to try to control the condition’s symptoms.

The slumps of bipolar depression can be so debilitating that some people find it impossible to rise from their beds. Sleep problems are a common depressive symptom as people have trouble falling and remaining asleep and sleeping far more than usual in some cases.

  • You’re more upbeat or jumpy than normal
  • You have a deep sensation of euphoria
  • You may talk more than usual
  • Racing thoughts
  • You’re easily distracted
  • Problems with concentration and poor decision-making

Symptoms of depressive episodes often include those mentioned above plus:

  • Feeling sad, empty, or hopeless
  • You’re not interested in doing things you used to enjoy doing
  • Gaining or losing weight due to problems with appetite or eating
  • You have insomnia or sleep too much
  • You’re either restless, or your behavior is unusually slow
  • Tiredness or lack of energy
  • You feel worthless or harbor extreme or inappropriate guilt
  • You’re more indecisive about everyday things than before
  • You’re preoccupied thinking of or planning suicide

Many of its symptoms can be managed with counseling or ketamine , allowing people who have it to live fulfilling lives.

Diagnosis & Treatment

Diagnosing bipolar disorder is done by documenting symptoms, how bad they get, the duration, and how often they happen. The most notable are instances of hypomania or mania. When speaking with your healthcare provider, it’s vital to be transparent about your personal and family history of mental illness. Such information can help differentiate bipolar disorder from major depression. Beyond a medical examination, you may also be referred to a mental health specialist with expertise in bipolar disorder diagnosis and treatment. In either case, you may also be asked to fill out a questionnaire for mood disorders or depression screening and use a mood chart daily to document any symptoms as they happen.

If you’ve been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, the good news is symptoms typically improve with treatment. Your healthcare provider will likely recommend mood stabilizers or other medicine, combined with psychotherapy and possibly ketamine treatment . It’s important, however, to get diagnosed before the symptoms spiral out of control.

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A Guide to IV Ketamine

By Matt Rodriguez • July 8, 2025
Intravenous (IV) ketamine has emerged as a promising option for individuals struggling with treatment-resistant depression and other hard-to-treat mental health conditions. Ketamine was originally developed as an anesthetic, but is now being used in controlled medical settings to deliver rapid relief when traditional therapies fall short. This guide explores the history, science, benefits, and practical considerations of IV ketamine therapy and what you can expect from treatment at The Albany Clinic.

Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) for Depression

By Kimberly Mercille • May 27, 2025
Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) is an emerging mental health treatment that targets key mechanisms linked to depression. In this article, we’ll discuss the science behind SGB and its potential benefits. If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, this information can help you make an informed decision about whether SGB might be the right option. What is a Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB)? What is the Stellate Ganglion? The stellate ganglion is a cluster of sympathetic nerves located on each side of the neck near the first rib. These nerves are part of the autonomic nervous system, which controls automatic body functions like heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion. The term "stellate" means "star-shaped" because the ganglion often looks like a star under a microscope. It helps regulate the body's stress response by controlling norepinephrine, a chemical that triggers the fight-or-flight reaction. When this system becomes overactive, it can cause various physical and psychological problems, including depression. Stellate ganglion block (SGB) therapy may help by reducing the activity of the stellate ganglion, calming the fight-or-flight response, and lessening the damaging effects of prolonged nervous system stress. How Does Stellate Ganglion Block Work? Stellate Ganglion block (SGB) is when a local anesthetic is injected near the stellate ganglion. These drugs inhibit transmission between nerve cells, dampening activity in the ganglion. They typically include lidocaine, bupivacaine, or mepivacaine, which are sometimes combined with a steroid medication. Patients may also receive another medication to relax them before treatment. SGB is typically performed using ultrasound guidance . The injection process lasts no more than 10 minutes, but patients will motinoted for another 30-45 minutes after treatment to ensure their safety. How Does Stellate Ganglion Block Work for Depression? Chronic stress is a major contributor to depression and is often linked to an overactive sympathetic nervous system. People with depression commonly show high levels of cortisol, a hormone that plays a key role in the body's stress response, in their blood stream. Cortisol is helpful in small doses, but when chronically elevated, it can disrupt neural circuits in the brain. Excessive cortisol can lead to: Neurotoxicity - Cortisol can be toxic to nerve cells, especially in the hippocampus, which is crucial for memory and emotional regulation. Overinflammation - Cortisol increases the activity of the body’s natural defense system, resulting in the system causing damage to nerve cells. Impaired synaptic plasticity - Cortisol inhibits the capacity for the brain to “re-wire” itself. This makes it harder for people to adapt to stressful situations and learn new patterns of behaviour. Disrupted sleep - High cortisol can prevent people from sleeping well. During sleep, restorative biological processes occur in the brain, and excess cortisol can prevent these from happening. SGB decreases sympathetic nervous system activity, which can reduce cortisol levels. This can help restore function in brain areas and pathways associated with positive mood, emotional regulation, and stress resilience. Evidence Supporting SGB for Depression To date, there’s very limited evidence supporting the use of SGB for depression. One pilot study found that SGP significantly reduced depression symptoms in people with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and was well-tolerated. However, there was no significant difference to the placebo group and the sample size was very small. Nonetheless, multiple lines of research show that SGB can alleviate symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which shares similarities with depression. In a trial of SGB for PTSD , participants reported significantly lower scores of depression following treatment. Who May Benefit from SGB for Depression? SGB is primarily utilized for treating PTSD, so individuals with PTSD who also experience depression may find SGB beneficial. Additionally, SGB has shown potential in alleviating anxiety symptoms, suggesting it may be advantageous for those dealing with both depression and anxiety. Because SGB isn’t approved by the FDA, it is typically only used when standard treatments like antidepressants and psychotherapy haven’t worked. SGB is an “off-label” treatment, much like ketamine therapy or brain stimulation therapies. Importantly, SGB may not be suitable for everyone because of medical reasons. Contraindications include: Recent myocardial infarction Coagulopathy or anticoagulant therapy Glaucoma Pre-existing contralateral phrenic nerve palsy Severe emphysema Cardiac conduction block Potential Risks and Side Effects of SGB Common Side Effects Most side effects of SGB are temporary and resolve as the anesthetic wears off. These may include: Hoarseness or Voice Changes: The proximity of the stellate ganglion to nerves controlling the voice box can lead to temporary hoarseness. Drooping Eyelid (Ptosis): Temporary drooping of the eyelid on the side of the injection may occur. Red or Bloodshot Eyes: Some individuals may notice redness in the eyes following the procedure. Watery Eyes and Nasal Congestion: Increased tearing and nasal stuffiness are possible but typically short-lived. Sensation of a Lump in the Throat and Difficulty Swallowing: Some individuals may experience a sensation of a lump in the throat and have difficulty swallowing after the procedure. Warmth or Tingling in the Arm or Hand: A warm or tingling sensation in the affected limb may be experienced temporarily. Although uncommon, some individuals may experience more serious complications, such as nerve damage, seizures, and allergic reactions. Given the potential risks, patients interested in SGB at the Albany Clinic will have an in-depth consultation with one of our qualified healthcare professionals before undergoing treatment. They can assess your medical history, current health status, and the potential benefits and risks of the procedure in your specific case. SGB for Depression in Illinois If you're in the Carbondale area and interested in the potential benefits of SGB for depression, the Albany Clinic is here to help. We specialize in innovative mental health treatments, including SGB, which has been shown to provide rapid relief from mental health symptoms, with effects lasting several weeks. Our experienced team offers personalized support, guiding you through every step—from determining if SGB is the right option for you to exploring alternative treatments and financial considerations. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your mental health journey.

SGB for Long COVID: Can a Nerve Block Help Ease Symptoms?

By Matt Rodriguez • May 7, 2025
Long COVID is a condition in which symptoms–such as brain fog, fatigue, and shortness of breath—persist for months after a COVID-19 infection. Researchers are still working to understand why this happens and how to treat it. One potential therapy being explored is the stellate ganglion block (SGB) , a procedure that numbs a cluster of nerves in the neck. In the article, we’ll explore the science behind SGB and long COVID and the evidence supporting its use.