[header] How to diagnose and manage high functioning bipolar disorder [title] Notice whether your mood swings from high to low and back again. [step] A very irregular mood is the defining characteristic of bipolar disorder. A manic episode typically lasts for seven days or longer, a hypomanic episode lasts for four days or longer, and a depressive episode lasts for two weeks or longer. 
If your mood tends to follow a pattern of highs and lows, it's worth investigating further to see if bipolar disorder could be the cause. [substeps] You can gain more insight into your mood patterns by keeping a log.