Everyone occasionally experiences a pressing desire to talkwhether to share good news or an exciting or unusual experience.
If you havebipolar disorder, however, a compulsive urge to talk might represent a symptom called pressured speech.
This symptom occurs commonly in adults, adolescents, and children with bipolar disorder experiencingmaniaorhypomania.
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A rapid-fire speech pattern is one of the most frequent initial signs of bipolar disorder.
Important Considerations
Pressured speech alone does not necessarily indicate bipolar disorder.
It manifests as a compelling, virtually irresistible desire to talk.
A person experiencing this symptom feels driven to talk, typically for prolonged periods and faster than usual.
Other common features include speaking loudly and emphatically, and talking over or interrupting others.
With a hypomanic episode, the conversation may seem odd but generally logical.
Ideally, you and your designated helper will have worked out a strategy in advance to handle these episodes.
For severe, persistent or intensifying symptoms, however, medication may be needed along withcounseling.
Mood stabilizers and/or antipsychotic medications are often prescribed.
Temporary hospitalization may be necessary if a person is at risk for suicidal or violent actions during an episode.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
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