Bipolar disorder can be difficult to diagnose and detect. People with bipolar disorder swing between periods of mania and depression. Symptoms of mania summarized from the NIH website include increased energy, irritability and aggressive behavior. Symptoms of depression summarized from the NIH website include decreased energy, feelings of sadness and hopelessness.

Interesting Research: MRI has also been used recently to show differences in cortical thickness in bipolar versus normals. Bipolar subjects have significantly decreased cortical thickness in the multiple prefrontal cortices (Lyoo).

References: Lyoo, IK (2006). “Regional cerebral cortical thinning in bipolar disorder.” Bipolar Disord. Feb;8(1):65-74.