Symptoms of Manic Attack in Bipolar Disorder

One needs to be judicious when describing symptoms of manic attack in bipolar disorder. The media, both on television and in the movies, has a tendency to portray the person as having a very disturbed personality, many times to the point of being a potential serial killer. Persons watching the media have a tendency to buy into these portrayals without investigating them further. Actually, some of our best friends and co-workers may have the disorder but one would not identify this except in unusual cases or through sharing by the individual.

The severity of the symptoms may vary from person to person and from time to time. It is well to remember that most people are able to lead quite normal lives and with treatment the symptoms can be controlled. It is only a very few who have symptoms that are so severe that they need frequent hospitalization. Also, in a few cases the disorder may be accompanied by psychosis or hallucinations.

Some literature diagnoses the manic episode as having five or more symptoms that are around for most of the day, usually for two weeks or longer. These symptoms are characteristics that almost every person has at one time or another such as increased energy, poor judgment, overly good moods, spending sprees, and inability to concentrate well.

The symptoms can be treated and the disease can be well managed. For the most part it is not known what causes the symptoms or the attacks, nor do family and friends understand why the "victim" cannot control the symptoms.