- Avg age onset 18
- Two age periods when bipolar presentations clustered: 16-25 (most common) and 46-55
- + family history also a risk factor
- Mood d/o assoc w/episodes that differ from patient's normal mood & behaviour
- Cycling (variable duration & degree) between depression & mania
- Manic sx: overly happy & outgoing, inpulsivity, participating in risky behavior, racing thoughts, easily distracted, poor performance school/work, not sleeping, unrealistic sense of abilities, increased activity
- Depressive sx (not always prominent): feeling sad, hopeless, low energy, suicidality, disturbed sleeping & eating, lack of joy from activities