Bipolar disorder is a serious disorder that is usually characterized by extreme mood swings including manic, hypomanic and depressive episodes. This disorder is somewhat common as about 3 million americans are diagnosed every year. Symptoms of a manic episode include high energy, restlessness and irritability. These symptoms are very similar compared to a hypomanic episode, except hypomania is more mild than mania. Signs of a depressive episode are sadness, lethargy and loss of interest in normal activities. Luckily, this disorder has proven to be manageable with some combination of medication and therapy. If you or a loved one are experiencing any combination of these symptoms, it may be time to get the help you need at Harper Psychological.