 [ Symptoms ] what are the symptoms of bipolar disorder [ Disease ] the most definitive symptom of bipolar disorder is alternating cycles of mania and depression in the manic phase behaviors include dramatic increase in energy with a decreased need for sleep racing thoughts that are sometimes expressed during rapid fire conversation feelings of being high or euphoric    as if they could do almost anything easy distractibility and sometimes irritability poor judgment    for example purchasing things one can not afford or use an increased need for sex and reckless sexual behaviors alcohol or drug abuse particularly cocaine and sleeping pills aggressive behavior sometimes provocative denial that anything is wrong or different in the depressive stage behaviors can include persistent sadness anxiety or a feeling of emptiness  pessimism or hopelessness that is not justified by circumstances feelings of guilt worthlessness or helplessness extreme fatigue loss of interest in pleasurable activities decreased interest in sex sleep disturbances food issues   loss of appetite and weight or increased appetite and weight gain suicidal thoughts or attempts