bipolar disorder
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bipolar disorder symptoms

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Q: What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?
I was wondering, what are like the symptoms of bipolar disorder? I know its like manic and major depression, or there’s another kind? called like bipolar ii or something? like, its hyper manic and just depression? Any details on these? Also, could someone be able to suspect that they are bipolar or have bipolar ii (if that’s what its called)? Thanks in advance. I’m not trying to diagnose anyone, I’m just wondering, of some of the symptoms and different types of bipolar.

A: There is bipolar 1, bipolar 2, cyclothemia, and bipolar NOS.

Cyclothemia is the most mild. It is characturized by hypomania (mania lite) and moderate depression. People with cyclothemia can generally function, but they may have somewhat unstable lives and may benefit greatly from therapy.

Bipolar 2 is the “swinging” bipolar. It goes from hypomania to severe depression. People with bipolar 2 do tend to go through remissions, and can function during hypomanic times generally, but may not be able to function during severely depressed times. They often wind up seeking help while depressed and getting misdiagnosed.

Bipolar 1 is the “raging” bipolar that goes from full-blown mania, severe depression, or mixed episodes. Mania may result in psychotic symptoms, and severe impairment in functioning. Mixed episodes are unique to bipolar 1. Basically, they are what they sound like. A mix of depressive and mani symptoms. The person may be hopeless, anxious, paranoid, but also aggressive, hyperactive, grandiose. Mixed epsiodes cause more suicide attempts than depression because they are so frightening and confusing.

And finally there is Bipolar NOS (Not Otherwise Specified) when the person has some form of bipolar, but the type is unknown, or doesn’t fit.

Within any type of bipolar, there is also varying speed of cycles. Typical bipolar episodes of (hypo)mania, depression, or mixed epsisodes last from 3-6 months typically. Rapid cycling is having 4 or more episodes per year. Utridian cycling is even fast than that, sometimes switching moods every couple days (that is the rarest type).

Depression you’re probably familiar with (the definition, anyway). Feeling lethargic, hopeless, isolates. In extreme cases it can cause suicidal thoughts or actions.

Mania makes you hyperactive, over-talkative, risk-taking, grandiose (where you may think, for example, that you’re going to be a rich movie star). It can cause paraoid thoughts, delusions, even hallucinations in very severe cases.

Hypomania is the milder version of that. The person is hyperactive, talks fast, spends lots of money, takes on more projects than they would otherwise… but it doesn’t USUALLY cause their functioning to break down. A lot of people become very creative during hypomanic episodes.

Mixed is the most unpleasant. Paranoia, anxiety, rage, insomnia, and hopelessness are common symptoms.

Q: What are some other symptoms of bipolar disorder?
I have been diagnosed with bipolar type I, which I understand has hallucinations and is more extreme than bipolar type II. I know the symptoms that every website lists for bipolar- increased energy, decreased need for sleep, etc…for mania and decreased energy, feelings of hopelessness or guilt, etc…for depression. What I’m looking for is individual experiences with this disorder. For example, I get really involved in things like painting, then feng shui, then collecting several different things, then geneology, then physics, etc… when I’m manic. I switch from one thing into a completely different thing and completely lose interest in the thing before. Does that make sense? I know that each person’s experiences will vary, but I would like to hear about behaviors besides those listed in the typical diagnostic criterea.
These answers are great. I have to laugh because I can relate to so many of you!

A: If you have halluncinations – you may have schizophrenia becuase halluncinations only occur during psychosis in bipolar patients.

I hope you are taking something to manage the symptoms even though the medication may not act right away.

Q: what are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?
i have been writing a book for the past year about a teen boy that is going through bipolar disorder. at first he was just depressed but i moved on to bigger and better things. i have gotten a couple of books on this topic and researched it quite a bit.
but
i need a couple of new ideas. i have the basic plan, so what i am asking is:
can anyone give me a list of symptoms and discription of biopolar disorder. do you know anyone with it and could you tell me how they act?
thank you!

A: Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder that causes episodes of depression (sadness and hopelessness) and episodes of mania (severely elevated mood). This disorder affects how a person feels and acts. No one knows exactly what causes bipolar disorder. Doctors and researchers believe that it may be caused by chemicals imbalances in the brain.1

People with bipolar disorder will have times when their mood is “normal” and balanced or close to that. But they will also have times when their mood changes are extreme for a period of time. These are called bipolar disorder “mood episodes.”2

Types of Bipolar Disorder Episodes
People with bipolar disorder have two different mood extremes: “depression” and “mania.”

Depression is a low kind of mood. During an episode of depression, people feel sad or empty and lose interest in doing things that they usually enjoyed. It’s also common to be slower in thinking and movements. A person may have less energy and need more sleep. They also may have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep2
Mania is a high mood. During a manic high, people feel unusually great. It’s common to be overly talkative, have lots of energy, and need little sleep2
An episode of depression or mania can last for days, weeks, months, or sometimes even years.1 A person with untreated bipolar disorder may have more than 10 total episodes of depression and mania during his or her lifetime.

Bipolar Disorder Symptoms: Depressive Episodes2
Someone in a depressed state of mind may…

Feel sad
He or she may feel sad or just plain “empty” inside, be tearful or cry.
Lose interest in things
He or she may stop doing things usually enjoyed and feel that those things just aren’t worth doing.
Gain or lose weight
He or she may lose weight without trying or gain weight from eating more than usual.
Have trouble sleeping
He or she may have trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep.
Sleep too much
He or she may sleep longer than usual and not want to get out of bed in the morning.
Appear restless or do things more slowly
He or she may appear restless or move slower than usual in doing everyday tasks.
Feel tired
He or she may just not have the energy to go about everyday tasks.
Feel worthlessness or guilt
He or she may feel undeserving of anything good or feel responsible for having done something terrible.
Have trouble thinking
He or she may have problems concentrating and/or making decisions.
Think about death
He or she may think that life is not worth living or make a plan to take his or her own life.
Bipolar Disorder Symptoms: Manic Episodes2
Someone in a manic state of mind may…

Feel unusually great
He or she may feel in possession of special qualities or abilities, extra power, importance, knowledge or ability.
Sleep a lot less
He or she may feel that “sleep is a waste of time,” feel rested after a few hours or just not feel tired at all.
Talk too much
He or she may feel pressured to get out thoughts, to talk faster or more loudly than usual.
Mix up their thoughts
He or she may have thoughts coming so fast that it’s hard to keep ideas straight.
Be distracted easily
His or her attention may be drawn to little, unimportant things.
Set new goals
He or she may launch into several new projects.
Take risks and go to extremes
He or she may do things that could be considered “risky” or unwise. Examples include running up credit card debt, making gambling bets, and even having casual sex with strangers.
Fidget more
He or she may be unable to sit still for very long or may pace.

Q: What are some symptoms of Bipolar Disorder?
I might have Bipolar Disorder. What are some symptoms of it and what do I do if I have it? I am 13 years old and am wondering if I should tell my parents and if they know anything about it. I currently take effexor and have been taking it since I was 7.

A: Bipolar disorder, formerly called manic-depressive illness, is a condition that affects more than two million Americans. People who have this illness tend to experience extreme mood swings, along with other specific symptoms and behaviors. These mood swings or “episodes” can take three forms: manic episodes, depressive episodes, or “mixed” episodes.

The symptoms of a manic episode often include elevated mood (feeling extremely happy), being extremely irritable and anxious, talking too fast and too much, and having an unusual increase in energy and a reduced need for sleep. It’s also very common for someone to act impulsively during a manic episode, and engage in behaviors that are risky or that they later regret, like spending sprees. And in over half of all manic episodes, people are troubled by delusions or hallucinations. For example, they may think they have a relationship with someone famous, claim to be an expert in an area they really know nothing about, feel paranoid (unusually fearful), or hear voices that are not there.

The symptoms of a depressive episode often include an overwhelming feeling of emptiness or sadness, a lack of energy, a loss of interest in things, trouble concentrating, changes in normal sleep or appetite, and/or thoughts of dying or suicide.

A mixed episode includes symptoms that are both manic and depressive.

Q: What are some symptoms of bipolar disorder?
What are some of the most recongnizable symptoms of bipolar disorder?

A: Mood instability is the hallmark symptom of bipolar disorder. However, this is not typically radical mood swings in the way that most people think of them occurring several times a day. People with bipolar disorder typically spend at least a few days to a week in a mood state before it resolves itself or switches. Depressed mood states include feeling down, not enjoying pleasurable activities, trouble concentrating, sleep problems (either too much or not enough), appetite problems, feeling worthless or excessively guilty, feeling tired or fatigued, being fidgety or moving very little, and thoughts about death or suicide. Manic mood states occur when a person’s mood is excessively happy or irritable. They may be accompanied by feeling rested with very little or no sleep, feeling too good about yourself (grandiose), feeling pressured to keep talking, racing thoughts, distractibility, fidgeting or an increase in activity, and excessive involvement in pleasurable activities with a high potential for painful consequences (e.g. buying sprees, sexual indiscretions, etc.). If you believe that you or someone you care about has bipolar disorder it is very important that you seek professional help as this disorder is associated with a high risk for suicide. It has a strong genetic component so there is often a family history of similar problems, even if it was never diagnosed. Bipolar disorder used to be called manic-depression, so many people from older generations might call it that. Hope that helps.

Q: What are the major symptoms for Bipolar Disorder?
Could anyone tell me the common symptoms recognized from the patient suffering due to Bipolar Disorder?

A: The bipolar disorder is generally depressive disorder. Some of the symptoms are,
Patient will have excess energy level.
Sudden Mood changes.
Behavior that appear impulsive and reckless.
Patient will have restless sleep.

Q: what are some symptoms of bipolar disorder ?
what are some major symptoms of bipolar disorder in younger people and how can it be fixed?

A: First of all, bipolar disorder is a mental disorder that emphasizes emotional peaks. Everyone has ‘up’ and ‘down’ days. Common bipolar symptoms include: dramatic mood shifts that disrupt daily life, obsessive habits, being irritated easily,
unrealistic, grandiose beliefs about one’s abilities or powers,
sleeping very little, but feeling extremely energetic,
talking so rapidly that others can’t keep up ,
racing thoughts; jumping quickly from one idea to the next,
highly distractible, unable to concentrate,
impaired judgment and impulsiveness,
acting recklessly without thinking about the consequences,
and delusions and hallucinations (in severe cases).
The list goes on and on.
Unfortunately, bipolar is not a cureable disorder, but it can be controled by some simple steps. First, you can get professional help by contacting your doctor. Second, let others you know to help and support you. Finally, think slowly, and calmly to control your emotions. By doing this, you should be fine.

Q: What are the symptoms of Bipolar Disorder and is Lithium the best medication?
Can Bipolar Disorder affect your ability to hold down a job and do employers discriminate because of it?

A: The symptoms of bpd are different in each individual. A list can be found in Webmd, and other good medical sites. Lithium is a very controversial medication. Today people with bpd have many choices, that can be made with your psychiatrist. Basically will be on a trial and error kind of way. Some medications might work for me and not for you. I have been in different medications. Good ones, and real bad ones. Having side effects that affected my heart and/or gave me diabetes. You and your doctor will be able to choose what is right for you.
Bpd can affect the way you perform your work. I have a dual diagnose which makes it even harder to hold a job, concentrate and at times keep awake. Some employers are very sympathetic about your conditions and some others don’t have a choice but to keep you because they are afraid of going trough a law suit under the disability act.
The more people is inform, the least we will get discriminated.
Here is a good book that every one that suffers from bpd should have and read; “THE UNQUIET MIND.” by Dr. Kay Ridfield Jamison. Is like the bible for bpd. It help me trough some rough patches. I hope everything works well, keep in touch.

Q: do i have the symptoms of bipolar disorder?
is it possible for you to become bipolar or are you always born with it? i think i have the symptoms, i get mad really easily and i get upset easily but little things make me really happy. i just noticed this a few months ago before i would never cry but now i feel as though i cry once a week and i dont know why sometimes. am i bipolar?

A: It could be any number of things. It could be that your mind is trying to process some changes in your life situation, you’re trying to process some stress…

Maybe you’re going through hormone changes…

You might even just be a naturally very sensitive person. That is a gift, although you’ll probably need to work on the anger thing…(and if you’re like me, you might even need to work on acting calm even when you’re so happy you want to be bouncing all over the room).

I wouldn’t consider myself bipolar, but I struggle with depression sometimes, and at the same time when I’m happy, I can get a lot happier than other folks. I don’t think that’s quite the same as bi-p, though, because I see my “disorder”–my struggle–as being with the depression. The “happy” is just me. Just my kinda EXTREME personality. =)

Q: What exactly is bipolar disorder and the symptoms?
I have read that it causes highs and lows. What exactly does that mean when you have highs and lows. Can someone give me a detailed and easy-to-understand explanation of bipolar disorder? Thanks in advance.

A: Bipolar is one of the types of mood disorder associated with brain. It causes unusual shifts in energy, mood and ability of a person. It is also referred to as maniac depression. It involves recurrent episodes of depression and mania, which recur across the lifespan. A person suffering from bipolar disease often experiences mood instability, depression and extreme mood swings. One time, they may feel very sad, worthless, helpless, despairing and hopeless and another time, they may feel like creative, hyperactive and on the top of the world. This disease is named as bipolar disorder because the mood of a person with bipolar disorder alternates between totally different extremities, such as extreme sadness and euphoric happiness. There are two types of bipolar disorder such as Bipolar I disorder and Bipolar II disorder. The first type involves episodes of severe mood swings, while the second type is a milder form. Cyclothymia is a mild bipolar disorder. Causes of Bipolar Disorder The exact cause of bipolar disorder is not known. However, various genetic, biochemical and environmental factors are supposed to be involved in triggering bipolar disorder. People with bipolar disorder have some physical and chemical changes in the brain. Neurotransmitters, naturally occurring brain chemicals, contribute in developing bipolar disorder. Hormonal imbalance is also responsible for this disorder. This disease may be due to a combination of multiple genetic and environmental factors. Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder Symptoms of bipolar disorder are characterized by alternate patterns of depression and mania. The symptoms may vary mild to severe from person to person. There are different symptoms of bipolar disorder in maniac phase and depressive phase. Manic Phase of Bipolar Disorder A person in the maniac phase may feel very energetic, creative and hyperactive. Some of the common signs of mania are increased activity and gestures, inflated self-esteem, poor temper control, poor judgment and pressured speech. The major symptoms of manic phase are:
Extreme optimism Agitation Euphoria Inflated self-esteem Rapid speech Aggressive behavior Racing thoughts Risky behavior Spending sprees Increased physical activity Increased sexual drive Increased drive to perform or achieve goals Decreased need for sleep Inability to concentrate Tendency to be easily distracted Drug abuse Depressive Phase in Bipolar Disorder Some people may experience more episodes of depressive phase than maniac phase. Some of the general signs of depression are excessive worry, sadness, crying spells and social withdrawal. Some major symptoms of depressive phase are as follows: Hopelessness Sadness Sleep problems Anxiety Irritability Guilt Appetite problems Fatigue Problems in concentration Loss of interest in daily activities Chronic pain due to unknown reason Symptoms of bipolar disorder are serious and can affect entire life of a person. Bipolar depression may result in damaged relationships, marital problems, poor performance in school or at job, and even suicide. Hence, it is very essential to seek an appropriate treatment immediately. Bipolar disorder can be diagnosed on the basis of signs and symptoms. Bipolar disorder treatment focuses on stabilizing mood swings and managing the symptoms. It can be treated with different medications such as lithium, carbamazepine, valproic acid, etc. Various therapies such as psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, family therapy and group therapy are found to be helpful the people with bipolar disorder. By Reshma Jirage Published: 11/13/2008  

Q: What are the main symptoms of bipolar disorder?
I’m not looking for different disorders, just bipolar.

A: Extreme moods. Even when stable “normal” tend to be more emotional that most people

Mood symptoms by category:

Extreme Manic: Hallucinations, don’t sleep, wont stop talking, paranoid, very sexually orienated; risky behavior, obsessive about things, extremely creative, extremely emotional, angers easy, many people compare it to someone on heavy doses of cocaine or crack.

Manic: sleep little, spend money like it was water, increased sex need, talks a lot more than usual; emotional, more creative than normal

Normal state: more like most of the general population

Mild Depression: sleeps a lot, bad mood, loss of interest in normal activities and work

Major Depression; sleeps and sleeps, loss of all interests, skips work or school all time, suicide attempts.

Q: What are the symptoms of Bipolar disorder?
I think I may be bipolar but I’m to embarrassed to go see a doctor.

A: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/print/ency/article/001528.htm
This link gives the symptoms. Unfortunately, the majority of the same symptoms apply to a lot of things.
I personally would avoid psychotherapists and psychotropic drugs. I think it is something that is over-rated and merely a “label” to put on folks who have normal emotions when going through grief, difficulties, relationship crisis, spiritual problems, or a possible chemical hormone imbalance which is a nutritional deficiency.
It is similar and as vague in description just as schizophrenia is. Some of these problems are merely spiritual. Who can tell you what you should think or feel or when and what is normal when they aren’t in your body?? You probably know that best and you are feeling that you aren’t your normal self. Pay attention to what your body is telling you but then again, they say that you can imagine things if you have it. That alone would be enough to unsettle someone and make them doubt their sanity to be told that what is real to you isn’t real to them. Living with an abuser can make one suicidal or have manic depressive symptoms. An abuser will tell you things to mess with your head.
A lady had a nervous breakdown some months after being beaten on honeymoon and finding her husband a few short days later in bed with someone else in their home. I think the human mind and body has ways of coping with stress. I can’t say I blame her for breaking down. A body needs time off to grieve losses sometimes and to heal.
The main thing is to have lots of friends around you, exercise, stay healthy, talk to someone about how you feel if you are having suicical thoughts, take supplements to elevate your mood and go to church and try to settle all your relationship differences if possible and let go what you cannot change. Ask your family or closest friends to tell you if you are your normal self or not in their opinion. They know you best. Doctors aren’t gods and medicine isn’t the cure all. Many people became worse using psychotrophic drugs and either committed suicide or murdered others. So, again, drug companies and psychiatrists are out to sell lots of drugs including to our youth. Be careful and prayerful.
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” Isaiah 26:3
“Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” Romans 8:26 Holy Bible KJV

Q: Can you tell me the symptoms of Bipolar disorder?
I’ve read about them – but i want to hear them from other peoples answers. Some people think i have bipolar, i see somebody for my depression.

I am 17 years old.

A: For more info about the symptoms of bipolar disorder see http://www.identifybipolardisorder.com

Q: What are the symptoms for bipolar disorder?
I seriously think I have it. I can be very happy then suddenly my mood changes real fast. I’m mostly depressed and just feel like crying for no reason at all. I get suicidal thoughts and sometimes wish I could go to sleep and never wake up again. Other days I am irritable and little things can tick me off. But days like today I’m overly happy. Does this mean I’m bipolar??

A: Severe mood swings and irritability are symptoms of bipolar disorder, but could also be caused by other things. Talk to your doctor.

Q: Bipolar Disorder Symptoms? Help me please!?
Hi,
I’m 13 years old and I think I may have the bipolar disease. The last question I asked led me to google bipolar symptoms and everything, and some of the stuff, like mood swings and feeling rested are like what i have sometimes. please give me websites and more info on this. thanks.
yea puberty was my 1st guess…

A: My step brother is bi polar. He gets really happy and then in a matter of minutes he will be ready to kill someone. I answered ur question, i seriously doubt that your bi polar. They also are crazy strong and can rip ur head off if they want to! If you really do think that you are bi polar then go see a bhttp://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/default.htmehavior specialist.

http://abilify.com/abilify/channels/bipolar_content.jsp?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&TC=95648&channelId=-11806&access=&referrer=null

Good Luck!

xoxo Jadee

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