What is the theory behind this Bipolar Disorder Symptoms Worksheet?

Bipolar Affective disorder, also called Manic Depression, is a severe mood disorder characterised by exaggerated and unpredictable  mood swings. People with Bipolar Disorder experience cyclic  ‘high’ and ‘low’ moods that may vary in intensity and length. These episodes severely impact one’s emotional, physical and behavioural states causing impaired functioning in all aspects of life.  

How will the worksheet help?

This worksheet will provide a list of common signs and symptoms of the high and low bipolar episodes to help the client identify which of them they experience and also add on their own unique symptoms if any. It will also help them become more observant of their own symptoms which is a key strategy to detect early warning signs and deploy coping strategies at the correct time. 

How to use the worksheet?

Instruct the client to read through the list of common signs and symptoms of depression and mania as they occur in episodes of bipolar disorder. Tell them to circle the ones that apply to them and add on their own if required. They can also take the help of family or friends who can give helpful information about their condition as an observer. 

Bipolar Disorder Symptoms Worksheet

Following are some common signs and symptoms that are characteristic of depressive and manic episodes experienced in bipolar disorder. Circle the ones that apply to you and write down any other symptoms that you find are unique to your condition . 

You can also seek the help of family or friends who are in close contact with you and can provide helpful information regarding your condition as observers. 

Symptoms indicative of Depressive phase

Symptoms indicative of Manic phase

General sadnessIrritabilityMemory and concentration issuesFeeling low energyThoughts about being worthlessGeneral pessimismFeelings of guiltInsomniaSelf-doubtLosing interest in activities that were pleasurable beforeFeelings of hopelessness and emptinessSuicidal thoughts

Feelings of extreme happiness and joyVery fast speech to the point of not making sense to the listenerInability to sleepFeeling too much energyThinking you can do anything you wantEngaging in risk taking behaviourMaking poor choices such as overspending on unnecessary and expensive itemsActions and words seem to be out of characterFeeling agitatedVery easy to distract, jumping from one task to anotherRacing thoughts – making multiple plansRefusing to eatRefusing to rest

References

American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Bipolar and related disorders. In Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed., text rev.). 

You can download this worksheet here.