What are common signs of bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is characterized by extreme mood swings that include both manic and depressive episodes. During a manic episode, individuals may experience heightened energy, euphoria, and impulsive behavior, while depressive episodes can lead to feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a significant drop in energy levels. Recognizing these distinct phases is crucial in identifying the disorder, as they can significantly affect a person's ability to function daily and impact their relationships and overall well-being.

In contrast, the other options do not reflect the nature of bipolar disorder. A constant state of happiness and high energy suggests a lack of the depressive episodes that are essential criteria for bipolar disorder. Similarly, persistent low energy and lack of motivation align more closely with unipolar depression rather than bipolar disorder, which requires the presence of both extremes. Emotional stability with only slight changes fails to account for the dramatic fluctuations associated with bipolar disorder, misrepresenting its clinical features. Thus, recognizing the defining aspect of extreme mood swings is key to understanding and diagnosing bipolar disorder effectively.