Anti Psychotic Questions » bipolar » bipolar symptoms

bipolar symptoms

For more information about bipolar symptoms check out Antipsychotic Help

Q: BiPolar Symptoms?
what are the symptoms of bipolar

A: the following can be symptoms of bipolar disorder:

-Inflated sense of self-importance (e.g., may have grandiose delusions or overestimate abilities and talents)
_Decreased need for sleep (e.g., may go days without sleep and not feel tired)
-Loud, rapid speech (e.g., may talk nonstop)
-Racing thoughts (e.g., may abruptly jump from one subject to another)
-Distractibility (e.g., may not be able to screen out irrelevant details)
-Agitation or restlessness (e.g., may pace or hold multiple conversations at once)
-Increase in goal-oriented activities (e.g., may have an increased sex drive or become excessively and inappropriately social)
-Unwise involvement in pleasurable but potentially risky activities (e.g., may rack up significant debt, have sex with strangers, abuse drugs, or make rash investment decisions)

i hope this helps

Q: Bipolar symptoms?
Can somebody tell me about the symptoms of being bipolar? I have unexplainable moodswings over the course of minutes, hours, days, weeks, months; I don’t know if I am going to wake up and feel on top of the world or feel like the scum of the earth. I’m not sure if this is just depression, or if there is something more wrong with me.
gmonte33; I was not asking simply because I get moody from time to time. Anybody with eyes and a brain understands that moodiness is normal, and I find your response rude. I am not asking to be petty, I have researched bipolar disorder in the past and was hoping for a more personalized answer as to what it is, partially because I have suspected myself of being bipolar for years and partially because I’m going in for a diagnosis this week and want to know what to bring up.
It isn’t as simple as, ‘gee I feel better some days than others’, because really, who doesn’t?

A: Bipolar disorder causes dramatic mood swings—from overly “high” and/or irritable to sad and hopeless, and then back again, often with periods of normal mood in between. Severe changes in energy and behavior go along with these changes in mood. The periods of highs and lows are called episodes of mania and depression.

Signs and symptoms of mania (or a manic episode) include:
Increased energy, activity, and restlessness
Excessively “high,” overly good, euphoric mood
Extreme irritability
Racing thoughts and talking very fast, jumping from one idea to another
Distractibility, can’t concentrate well
Little sleep needed
Unrealistic beliefs in one’s abilities and powers
Poor judgment
Spending sprees
A lasting period of behavior that is different from usual
Increased sexual drive
Abuse of drugs, particularly cocaine, alcohol, and sleeping medications
Provocative, intrusive, or aggressive behavior
Denial that anything is wrong
A manic episode is diagnosed if elevated mood occurs with three or more of the other symptoms most of the day, nearly every day, for 1 week or longer. If the mood is irritable, four additional symptoms must be present.

Signs and symptoms of depression (or a depressive episode) include:
Lasting sad, anxious, or empty mood
Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed, including sex
Decreased energy, a feeling of fatigue or of being “slowed down”
Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions
Restlessness or irritability
Sleeping too much, or can’t sleep
Change in appetite and/or unintended weight loss or gain
Chronic pain or other persistent bodily symptoms that are not caused by physical illness or injury
Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
A depressive episode is diagnosed if five or more of these symptoms last most of the day, nearly every day, for a period of 2 weeks or longer.

A mild to moderate level of mania is called hypomania. Hypomania may feel good to the person who experiences it and may even be associated with good functioning and enhanced productivity. Thus even when family and friends learn to recognize the mood swings as possible bipolar disorder, the person may deny that anything is wrong. Without proper treatment, however, hypomania can become severe mania in some people or can switch into depression.

Sometimes, severe episodes of mania or depression include symptoms of psychosis (or psychotic symptoms). Common psychotic symptoms are hallucinations (hearing, seeing, or otherwise sensing the presence of things not actually there) and delusions (false, strongly held beliefs not influenced by logical reasoning or explained by a person’s usual cultural concepts). Psychotic symptoms in bipolar disorder tend to reflect the extreme mood state at the time. For example, delusions of grandiosity, such as believing one is the President or has special powers or wealth, may occur during mania; delusions of guilt or worthlessness, such as believing that one is ruined and penniless or has committed some terrible crime, may appear during depression. People with bipolar disorder who have these symptoms are sometimes incorrectly diagnosed as having schizophrenia, another severe mental illness.

It may be helpful to think of the various mood states in bipolar disorder as a spectrum or continuous range. At one end is severe depression, above which is moderate depression and then mild low mood, which many people call “the blues” when it is short-lived but is termed “dysthymia” when it is chronic. Then there is normal or balanced mood, above which comes hypomania (mild to moderate mania), and then severe mania

Q: Bipolar Symptoms?
Is laughing near-uncontrollably at trivial things a symptom of the maniac phase of bipolar disorder?

A: my ex-girlfriend years ago was bipolar and she would get like this when she was manic, especially cuz she wasnt like this usually. i remember distinctly one time when i literally expected her head to spin around! by itself this is not enough to make a person bipolar, but in someone who has been diagnosed with it already it may be a warning sign of an approaching manic episode. it was always a clue for me with her.

Q: bipolar symptoms ??
what are the symptoms??

A: Euphoria or irritability
Excessive talk; racing thoughts
Inflated self-esteem
Unusual energy; less need for sleep
Impulsiveness, a reckless pursuit of gratification — shopping sprees, impetuous travel, more and sometimes promiscuous sex, high-risk business investments, fast driving
Hallucinations and or delusions (in cases of bipolar disorder with psychotic features)
In the depressive phase:

Depressed mood and low self-esteem
Low energy levels and apathy
Sadness, loneliness, helplessness, guilt
Slow speech, fatigue, and poor coordination
Insomnia or oversleeping
Suicidal thoughts and feelings
Poor concentration
Lack of interest or pleasure in usual activities

Call Your Doctor if:
You notice some of these symptoms in a family member. Note: Persons with bipolar disorder often deny anything is wrong, especially in the manic phase. If you are worried about a family member or close friend, a doctor can offer advice on how to handle the situation.
You notice some of these symptoms in yourself.

Q: Does anyone else think Spencer Pratt is exhibiting the symptoms of being Bipolar?
I’ve been watching this season of the Hills, and he is totally losing it. He’s at that ripe age when bipolar symptoms start appearing.

I think MTV should stop using him for drama and advise him to get help. he needs drugs to manage his moods.

A: This has been on my mind since the start of Season six, i was shocked by his behaviour in the recent episodes, one second he was fine, then the next second he was shouting abuse at someone and literally shaking with anger, did you notice how he was getting spasms as if literally fighting to hold himself away from violence. His friend Frankie looked absolutely terrified. He is at the age where schizophrenia,and manic depression symptoms can begin to show. I was angry MTV have not done anything to get him and Heidi help, he needs to be sectioned and she needs to be with her family. I honestly think if these two dont get help, i can see him killing her then killing himself. This is going too far.

Q: Could bipolar symptoms be a sugar problem?
I have bipolar II symptoms like paranoia, wild mood swings, sometimes racing mind, irritability, distorted perception of reality maybe (maybe).

Could it be a sugar problem? Or a lack of vitamins or something? I eat a lot of sweets, but still have a very healthy diet.

A: first of all let me say I am a Bipolar I patient so you know where I am coming from.

With that said…first impression is you may be Bipolar I not Bipolar II. You sound like you have some amount of pyscotic symptoms that would benifit from drugs like Zyprexia or Abilify. If you are not already talk to your Dr. about these sympotoms!

Next…sugar problem…quick answer, maybe.

If you are diabetic or insulin resistant excess sugar can and most likely will affect your mood and your symptoms. In addition to sugar, the caffine in your sugary drinks are even more disrupting to a bipolar patient at times.

Having an abnormal sugar level especially when diabetic very often affects one’s behavior.

Only a Dr. can tell you for certain though if your symptoms are bipolar or something else. Talk to him or her soon

Q: If you are bipolar, what symptoms do you have that you attribute to it that are not listed in the diagnostic?
If you are bipolar, what symptoms do you have that you attribute to it that are not listed in the diagnostic criterea?
I have been diagnosed as bipolar type I and i guess i’m sort of in denial.

A: Extemely trying to please people and become frustrated by it. Bi Polars have extreme mood swing (that is in the criteria) but what most do not realize is that some of that comes from the “let down” of trying to be nice to people and not having that returned.

Q: What is the response time for Lamictal 25 mg tablets for mild, depressive bipolar symptoms?
I’ve tried many medications over the years with no positive results for anxiety and depression symptoms. I’m now trying this medication in the hope that it will work in a positive manner very soon like maybe in a week or two.

A: I’m on it for depression and mood swings, and it works very well for me. No side effects at all. It should start working in 2-3 weeks. Good luck!

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: How to consult professional about possible bipolar symptoms without parents finding out?
ok, i think i have bipolar. honestly and i would like to get it checked out. how can i do that without my parents or family finding out, i dont want them to freak out, especially since they’re pretty conservative and not very open about these things.

thanks.
Australia and 17

A: Your family not being open about these things ‘conservative’, in my experiences (yes I do have experiences) usually cause a bigger problem which can lead you to suffer from depression. I would definately go to a doctor, if you ignore it it doesn’t go away, it just builds up. So see a doctor, if they tell you you may well have bipolar, then get the doctor to consult/ talk to your parents about how to help with the treatment. Honestly, don’t let your parents get in the way of the issue, this can affect you a lot through your whole life.

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: Can Bipolar symptoms change with in a day?
Can someone with bipolar go from normal to sad then get angry then be happy within a day or so?

A: My boyfriend is bipolar and his cycles last from 2 to 3 weeks for the manic phase and several months for the depressed phase. He even has a normal phase that lasts a few months so I don’t know if the symptoms can cycle all in a day or so. I will be watching for the answers also.

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 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.

Related Posts

Write a comment