• Elevated Mood: Experiencing an unusually high or euphoric mood, often feeling excessively happy or overly optimistic.
• Increased Energy: Feeling unusually energetic or restless, with a decreased need for rest or sleep.
• Reduced Sleep: Needing less sleep than usual without feeling tired, sometimes functioning well on minimal sleep.
• Impulsivity: Engaging in risky behaviors without considering consequences, such as excessive spending, reckless driving, or unprotected sex.
• Rapid Speech: Talking quickly, often with pressured speech, making it difficult for others to keep up.
• Racing Thoughts: Experiencing a rapid flow of ideas, jumping from one topic to another without clear connections.
• Distractibility: Being easily diverted by unimportant stimuli, leading to difficulty focusing on tasks.
• Inflated Self-Esteem: Having an exaggerated self-confidence, sometimes leading to grandiose plans or unrealistic goals.

• Persistent Sadness: Feeling deep sadness or hopelessness, often without a clear cause.
• Fatigue: Experiencing constant tiredness, even after adequate rest, leading to decreased energy levels.
• Loss of Interest: Losing interest in activities once enjoyed, including hobbies, socializing, or work-related tasks.
• Concentration Issues: Having trouble focusing or making decisions, leading to decreased productivity and increased indecisiveness.
• Changes in Appetite: Experiencing significant weight loss or gain due to changes in eating habits.
• Sleep Disturbances: Sleeping too much or too little, often resulting in feelings of unrest or fatigue.
• Feelings of Worthlessness: Experiencing excessive guilt or low self-esteem, often accompanied by self-criticism.
• Thoughts of Death: Having recurrent thoughts of death or suicide, indicating a need for immediate professional intervention.

This type involves at least one manic episode lasting at least seven days or requiring hospitalization. Depressive episodes in bipolar disorder typically last at least two weeks. The severity of mood swings can lead individuals to misuse substances, either to prolong the high of mania or to self-medicate during depressive phases. Studies indicate that individuals with bipolar I disorder have a higher likelihood of developing substance use disorders compared to the general population.

Bipolar II disorder is characterized by recurring depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes, which are less intense than full-blown mania. People with this type may turn to alcohol or drugs to manage their mood fluctuations, increasing the risk of substance abuse. Research suggests that individuals with bipolar II disorder are also at an elevated risk for substance use disorders, though the prevalence may be slightly lower than in those with bipolar I disorder.

Involves periods of hypomanic symptoms and depressive symptoms lasting for at least two years in adults. The symptoms are less severe than those of bipolar I or II but can still disrupt daily life. The unpredictable mood changes may lead some to use substances as a coping mechanism. While the risk of substance abuse in cyclothymic disorder is present, it may be less pronounced compared to the other types.

These categories are used when symptoms don’t match the criteria for the above types but still involve significant mood disturbances. Individuals may experience rapid mood shifts, leading to challenges in diagnosis and an increased likelihood of substance use as a form of self-medication. The lack of a clear diagnosis can complicate addiction treatment, making it essential to address both mood symptoms and potential substance use.

Early diagnosis and tailored treatment can help manage both conditions effectively. If you or someone you know is struggling with bipolar disorder and substance abuse, seeking professional help is vital for recovery.