Bipolar Symptoms

Bipolar Symptoms are sometimes very difficult to recognize and are often over looked by doctors. Bipolar disorder symptoms are cyclic. Patient’s cycle into manic episodes, then return to normal before cycling into a depressive episode. Mood in bipolar disorder may swing from euphoria and/or extreme irritability (defined as ´mania´) to depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure (´bipolar depression´). Here are some first-person accounts of the various mood states associated with bipolar disorder:

Depression:

I doubt completely my ability to do anything well. It seems as though my mind has slowed down and burned out to the point of being virtually useless. I am haunted with the desperate hopelessness of it all. Others say, “It’s only temporary, it will pass, you will get over it,” but of course they haven’t any idea of how I feel, although they are certain they do. If I can’t feel, move, think, or care, then what on earth is the point?

Hypomania:

At first when I’m high, it’s tremendous…ideas are fast…like shooting stars you follow until brighter ones appear…all shyness disappears, the right words and gestures are suddenly there…uninteresting people, things, become intensely interesting. Sensuality is pervasive, the desire to seduce and be seduced is irresistible. Your marrow is infused with unbelievable feelings of ease, power, well-being, omnipotence, euphoria…you can do anything…but, somewhere this changes.

Mania:

The fast ideas become too fast and there are far too many…overwhelming confusion replaces clarity…you stop keeping up with it–memory goes. Infectious humor ceases to amuse. Your friends become frightened…everything is now against the grain…you are irritable, angry, frightened, uncontrollable, and trapped.

Recognition of the various mood states is essential so that the person who has manic-depressive illness can obtain effective treatment and avoid the harmful consequences of the disease, which include destruction of personal relationships, loss of employment, and suicide.

If you think you may suffering from bipolar disorder then read on…..You may be suffering from the disorder if you have experienced three of more of the following manic bipolar symptoms for more than two weeks…

Bipolar Depression Symptom List – Depressive Symptoms:

  • Low self-esteem or self-loathing.
  • Persistent sad, anxious, or empty mood.
  • Feeling helpless, guilty, or worthless
  • Fatigue, lethargy, or feeling slowed down, Decreased energy.
  • Increased need for sleep or the ability to sleep as many as 18 hours without feeling refreshed.
  • Social withdrawal.
  • Irritability or restlessness.
  • Loss of or increase in appetite.
  • Loss of emotional control; cries easily or for no reason.
  • Headaches, backaches or digestive problems.
  • Unable to concentrate, make decisions, or remember details.
  • Suicidal thoughts.
  • Inability to feel pleasure or happiness.

Bipolar Depression Symptom List – Manic Symptoms:

  • Delusions of grandeur or inflated self-esteem.
  • Increased performance of goal directed activities.
  • Alcohol or drug abuse.
  • Extreme irritability & distractibility.
  • Irresponsible spending.
  • Engaged in dangerous, unprotected sexual activity, or other dangerous acts.
  • Sustained periods of unusual, even bizarre, behavior with significant risk-taking.
  • Hyperactive.
  • Unrealistic belief in one’s own abilities.
  • Flight of ideas, racing thoughts.
  • No need or little need for sleep.
  • Rapid, pressurize speech that others can’t understand.
  • Increased energy, activity, rapid talking & thinking, agitation.
  • Provocative or obnoxious behavior.
  • Denial of problem.

Bipolar disorder is diagnosed based on the patient’s report of experiences, as well as those reported by family members and close friends, to a psychiatrist, social worker, or clinical psychologist, or other similar professional.