6 Surprising Bipolar Disorder Warning Signs
Updated: 10/31/2025
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TL;DR
- Bipolar disorder is not only about mood swings.
- Mania warning signs may include impulsive spending, irritability, grandiosity, and psychosis.
- Depression warning signs may include low motivation and slowed movement.
- If symptoms are sudden, intense, or causing problems at home or in relationships, reach out for help early.
Bipolar disorder isn’t what it seems. It’s a complex condition that can manifest with many symptoms beyond what you might expect. Most people know that bipolar disorder is characterized by extreme mood swings. But what they don’t know is that there is much more to the disorder than that.
The warning signs of bipolar disorder can be surprising. This can make it easy to confuse the disorder with other conditions, like schizoaffective disorder.
Recognizing these signs is the key to getting the right support before things spiral too far out of control. Let’s take a closer look at some of the more surprising bipolar disorder warning signs that you should know.
As someone who lives with bipolar disorder, I understand how confusing these early bipolar warning signs can be. When I had increased activity and wasn’t sleeping much, I chalked it up to the life of an entrepreneur (I had just started my company). But learning to recognize these early warning signs has helped keep me out of the hospital, as I can intervene before things get bad.
1. Excessive Spending: Financial Decisions You’ll Later Regret
A common but surprising warning sign of bipolar disorder is excessive spending. Bipolar spending sprees typically occur during manic episodes. Increased risk-taking is a common feature of mania. When someone is manic, they may be impulsive and have impaired decision-making. Research indicates that this can lead to serious consequences, including out-of-control spending.
Also, during a manic episode, a person may have a false sense of financial security due to grandiosity. They may believe that they have unlimited resources.
This can later lead to serious financial problems. The person may experience shame and regret, and strained relationships with loved ones, because of the excessive spending.
2. Grandiosity: A Feeling of Invincibility
Grandiosity is another important warning sign. Grandiosity refers to a state of inflated self-esteem. It’s important to note that this is out of character for them. People experiencing grandiosity may feel powerful — like they are on top of the world. They may even feel invincible. These beliefs may cause them to engage in risky behavior, as they believe that there will be no consequences. Unfortunately, grandiosity can lead to things like financial ruin, lost jobs, and even jail.
3. Intense Anger: Sudden Outbursts
Picture this: Something small happens at work, and you find yourself getting really mad. So, you quit your job on the spot. Irritability is a sign of mania. If you are in a full-blown manic episode, this emotion can become amplified very easily.
Research indicates that anger is an often underrecognized yet significant symptom of bipolar disorder, especially during manic episodes. This symptom can cause strained relationships and other consequences, including spending time in jail.
4. Bipolar Hypersexuality: Sexual Impulses on Overdrive
Hypersexuality is another common sign of bipolar disorder that surprises people. During manic episodes, sexual desire can surge. A person might have an increase in sexual desire and also be more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors. This is called bipolar hypersexuality.
They may make inappropriate advances on their boss and others that they normally wouldn’t. They may be overly promiscuous. This may have a negative effect on their personal safety and have lasting impacts on their relationships. The person may also experience guilt, shame, and embarrassment when the manic episode is over.
5. Erotomania: Unrequited Love
Erotomania, also called De Clérambault’s syndrome, is a less discussed and more rare warning sign of bipolar disorder. However, there is a frequent association between erotomania and mood disorders, particularly those involving psychosis.
Erotomania is considered to be a type of delusion. People with erotomania are convinced that another person is in love with them. Typically, the person will be of a higher status, such as a celebrity or a famous author. However, in reality, there is no basis for this belief.
A good example of erotomania is showcased on the Netflix limited series "Baby Reindeer." The show focuses on the themes of stalking and obsession. Although it doesn’t say what Martha, in the Netflix show suffers from, psychiatric experts believe that her behaviors are consistent with erotomania.
The person who has erotomania may stalk the other person extensively. They may send gifts to them and become upset when the person doesn’t reciprocate. Erotomania can lead to legal issues, such as stalking and harassment charges.
6. Psychosis: When Reality Becomes Distorted
Many people are surprised to learn that psychosis can occur during bipolar disorder. It is one of the most severe symptoms of bipolar disorder. It can occur during depressive episodes, but it is significantly more frequent during manic episodes.
Psychosis involves a disconnect from reality. Bipolar psychosis warning signs involve a break from reality. A person experiencing psychosis might believe things that aren’t true (delusions) or have paranoid thoughts that others are out to harm them. They may also hear voices or see things that aren’t there (hallucinations).
Psychosis can lead to significant distress for both the person experiencing it and their loved ones.
Psychosis is a medical emergency. It requires immediate intervention. If you or a loved one is experiencing this, it’s important to get professional help as soon as possible. That might mean going to the emergency room for bipolar.
Don’t Ignore the Red Flags
Bipolar disorder isn’t just about mood swings; it’s a complex disorder and includes things you wouldn’t necessarily think of. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms or notice them in a loved one, act before things get out of control.
Get matched with an online therapist this week
Therapy can help you spot warning signs sooner and stay grounded during mood shifts. Choose video, phone, or chat based sessions and switch therapists anytime.
Not for emergencies. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911 or your local emergency number.
FAQs
Here are some of the most common questions about early warning signs of bipolar disorder.
What is the first red flag of bipolar disorder?
The first red flag that people typically notice is mood swings. They may have either an elevated mood (hypomania or mania) or a depressed (low) mood.
What is the first sign of bipolar mania?
Before a full-blown manic episode, a person may notice a decreased need for sleep. Other signs of bipolar mania include increased energy. Impulse control may be impaired. Some people have increased irritability.
How to tell if someone is undiagnosed bipolar?
The only way to tell for sure is to have an assessment by a physician or a mental health expert who is trained to diagnose bipolar disorder.
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References
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American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Grandiosity. Apa Dictionary Of Psychology. Retrieved October 31, 2025, from https://dictionary.apa.org/grandiosity
Ballester, J., Goldstein, T., Goldstein, B., Obreja, M., Axelson, D., Monk, K., Hickey, M., Iyengar, S., Farchione, T., Kupfer, D. J., Brent, D., & Birmaher, B. (2012). Is Bipolar Disorder Specifically Associated With Aggression?. Bipolar Disorders, 14(3), 283–290. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1399-5618.2012.01006.x
Fovet, T., Geoffroy, P. A., Vaiva, G., Adins, C., Thomas, P., & Amad, A. (2015). Individuals With Bipolar Disorder And Their Relationship With The Criminal Justice System: A Critical Review. Psychiatric Services, 66(4), 348-353. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ps.201400104
Kennedy, N., McDonough, M., Kelly, B., & Berrios, G. E. (2002). Erotomania Revisited: Clinical Course And Treatment. Comprehensive Psychiatry, 43(1), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.1053/comp.2002.29856
Guillard, V., Mallet, J., & Limosin, F. (2016). Erotomania And Mood Disorder: A Case Report And Literature Review. European Psychiatry, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eurpsy.2016.02.3798
