From Kimberly Read & Marcia Purse,
Your Guide to Bipolar Disorder.
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About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by Steven Gans, MD

Mania & Depression
The hallmark symptom of bipolar disorder is mood swings. The American Psychiatric Association's DSM-IV notes that bipolar disorder is characterized by the occurrence of one or more manic or mixed episode and is often accompanied by depressive episodes. Certain behaviors are characteristic of these episodes.

Red Flags I - Top 7 Signs of Mania
How to Recognize a Manic Episode

Red Flags II - Top 6 Signs of Depression
How To Recognize a Depressive Episode

Additional Symptoms
Bipolar disorder also presents a rather complex mix of symptoms. It is more than just mood swings. It can also feature mixed episodes, rapid cycling, psychotic features and other complications.

Complex Features of Bipolar Disorder

Suicide
Suicide is another serious issue for those diagnosed with this disorder. It is estimated nearly 30 percent of those diagnosed with bipolar disorder will attempt suicide at least once in their lives. This suicide rate is 20 times that of the general population. Each of us needs to know the warnings signs -- the red flags of despair -- so we may be prepared to help a friend in crisis, to see the cry for help from a loved one and to seek assistance when our own resources for coping have worn thin.

Red Flags III - 5 Common Warnings of Suicide
Suicide Crisis Resources

Symptoms in Children
Professionals often do not consider early-onset bipolar disorder. Many children who actually have this condition have been incorrectly diagnosed with ADHD because the official guidelines for diagnosing bipolar disorder outline criteria based on classic adult symptoms. A great deal more is now known about early-onset bipolar disorder in children.

Red Flags IV - Signs of Childhood-Onset Bipolar Disorder