It's important to clarify the terminology here. Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by periods of extreme mood swings that include depressive episodes and periods of mania or hypomania.
Bipolar Disorder: An actual bipolar person, also known as an individual with bipolar disorder, experiences episodes of both depression and mania or hypomania. Mania is a state of intense euphoria, excessive energy, racing thoughts, and impulsive behavior that significantly impairs daily functioning. Hypomania is a less severe form of mania, but it still involves increased energy, impulsivity, and elevated mood.
Someone with Symptoms of Mania/Hypomania: This refers to individuals who might experience symptoms similar to mania or hypomania but do not meet the criteria for a full bipolar disorder diagnosis. They may have brief periods of elevated mood, increased energy, impulsivity, or other characteristics of mania or hypomania, but these symptoms are not persistent or severe enough to qualify as a separate mental health condition.
In summary, the key difference is the severity and persistence of symptoms. A person with bipolar disorder experiences recurrent and distinct episodes of both depression and mania/hypomania that significantly impact their life, whereas someone with symptoms of mania/hypomania may have occasional or less intense experiences without the complete pattern of bipolar disorder. It's essential for individuals experiencing mood disturbances to seek professional evaluation and support to determine the proper diagnosis and receive appropriate treatment.