It may be hard to distinguish between the symptoms of bipolar disorder and general mood swings. There are three main differences to look out for:
Intensity: Bipolar disorder mood swings are usually more severe than ordinary mood swings.
Length: A bad mood is usually gone in a few days, but mania or depression can last weeks or months. In rapid cycling, moods last a short time — but change quickly from one extreme to another.
Interference with Life: The extremes in mood that are tied to bipolar disorder can severely disrupt daily life. Depression may make a person unable to get out of bed or go to work, while mania may cause a person to go for days without sleep.
