Q: What does a “Working diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder” mean?
The psychiatrist says the person has Bipolar Disorder but the psychologist says this is a working diagnosis and nothing is set in stone. What does this mean?

A: Its kind of both. Its basically a tentative diagnosis, or a temporary diagnosis until they can run more tests or do what ever they have to do to be certain.

Q: Do you think the diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder is being used way too much?
It seems like I keep hearing of more and more people who have bipolar disorder. I can name at LEAST 15 people I know who “have” bipolar. Plus, I hear of others having it all the time too.

What do you think about that? Do you see it too, or am I reading into something that isn’t there?

If SO many people have bipolar, maybe it is actually “normal” and those who don’t have the diagnosis are NOT “normal”….. (Yes, I need sleep lol)

A: I think the term bipolar isnt being defined the way it should be. There are many different levels of bipolar illness. Some are debilitating and require lots of medication, and attention, and can render ones life incredibly difficult. Some types occur once every 4months, last about 2 days, and are only moderately inconvient to the patients everyday life.

I also think, people read in a book a FEW of the symptoms and do a self diagnosis. They are using the disorder as an excuse to be less productive, and have people feel sorry for them.

Yeah, i know: me saying i have bipolar illness doesnt really mean jack right now. But it is frustrating to have people when you say you have an illness – roll their eyes because people have exploited the term and taken the signifigance of the statement out of it.

I dunno. Yeah, its annoying, its distracting, and people dont take real cases seriously anymore.

Q: Are there any physical tests to support a diagnosis of bipolar disorder?
I know a patient prescribed with Lithium has regular blood tests to monitor Lithium levels. If a test is done before any Lithium is taken will that act as confirmation of a diagnosis?

Are there any other external tests?

A: No, there aren’t any external or objective tests. It sounds as if you are suggesting that perhaps someone with bipolar disorder has a low level of lithium in the blood which could be diagnostic – this is NOT the case at all. Bipolar isn’t a deficiency disease. The action of lithium is not to replace something missing (i.e. it’s not like taking thyroxin when one has an underactive thyroid). The blood tests are to ensure that the level of lithium in the body is enough to be a therapeutic dose, because people vary so much in how they metabolise it. There’s more about this at http://www.realmentalhealth.com/bipolar/lithium_2.asp

Q: bipolar disorder diagnosis/confidentiality?
Hey i was just wondering what the diagnosis procedure was for bipolar disorder? i know it’s quite complex because there a no solid biological tests that can be run, but is it a general gp diagnosis, do you have to get transferred to specialists, is it quite a quick process or is it a number of sessions over a period of time.. any info would be greatly appreciated!

Also is the medical professional allowed to confirm anything related to the illness to members of family, bosses or anyone that could be deemed to have a level of responsibility for the individual..

thankyou.

A: Like Gabe said, it is a very long process to get a diagnosis. I have been bipolar since my teens but was not diagnosed until I was 40. I was treated for depression for 20 years but the bipolar wasn’t diagnosed until I had a pure manic episode, who talks to their doctor about being too happy……. Any professional that would diagnose you in just a visit or two is a complete quack. It takes a long time and even then after more time your diagnosis can change as your therapist learns more about you. You need to see a psychiatrist or a psychologist for a mental health diagnosis, a GP cannot do it.

Yoru health records (including your mental health records) are completely confidential. They CAN NOT be shared with anyone without your permission.

Q: Is this a diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder?
Is this a diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder?
Is this a diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder?
Hi. I seen the psychiatrist the other week. I am 22 and live in Scotland. The psych put me on 15mg of the anti-psychotic Olanzapine(Zyprexa) for high mood i believe. I asked him do i have Bipolar and he said “it sounds like it”.Is this a diagnosis?I imagine i must be if i am on an anti-pychotic right?Thanks for your time

A: Yes, you need help Lisa/Sarah because you seem to have a split personality. Lisa and Sarah both live in Glasgow or Scotland, both are 22 and both ask over and over about Zprexa and if they’re Bipolar and both go to doctors and ask if they’re bipolar and both have a doctor who answer “It sounds like it. Lisa/Sarah I suggest you stop wasting the time of people who answer your fake questions and try to help you or at least close one of your troll accounts.

Q: What does a diagnosis of Bipolar Affective Disorder mean?
I am currently in therapy and have been for the past year. My therapist suggested I see his company’s psychatrist for possible management of my then depression. So I went to see this doctor. He has since diagnosed me as being Bipolar Affective Disorder without ever telling. What does this mean?

A: Bipolar Affective Disorder, aka, Bipolar Disorder (used to be called Manic Depression) is a mood disorder. Bipolar refers to the moods of depression and mania.

Depression is characterized by sadness, fatigue, loss of interest in life, weight loss or gain (without trying), low self esteem, feelings of hopelessness, thoughts of suicide, etc…

Mania is characterized by rapid speech, decreased need for sleep, racing thoughts, hallucinations, grandiose ideas (feeling like god or a celebrity), being easily distracted, poor judgment, etc…

There are two main types of Bipolar Disorder- Bipolar I Disorder- which includes episodes of depression and mania and Bipolar II Disorder- which is depression and hypomania (a more mild form of mania).

Having this diagnosis means you have had episodes of depression and mania (or hypomania) in your life and it is most likely that you will have them again. It is a long-term illness.

There seems to be a genetic component to Bipolar Disorders- it seems to run in families.

If you like your therapist then stay with him and with the psychiatrist. If you do not like them then find ones you like because this is a disease that needs long term treatment and support. It is a good idea to find a support group for people with this type of mood disorder.

Good luck and I hope you find the help you are looking for.

Q: can you PROVE a diagnosis of mania or bipolar disorder?
Is there a chemical or hormonal test a doctor can give you to prove these disorders? OR do they just ask you questions about your mood swings and hand you the anti-depression/psychotics/anxiety prescription?

Has anyone out there been diagnosed with bipolar disorder or manic depression and calmed their symptoms with natural ways like exercise, healthy living, meditation, positive thinking/reading concentration? If so how and what would you suggest as an alternative to pill popping super meds for the rest of your life?

A: There is no chemical or hormonal marker in the blood that gives a “gold star” diagnosis for bipolar disorder. Bipolar is generally diagnosed after a thorough psychological evaluation by a psychologist or psychiatrist who evaluates the symptoms of the patient to see if they fit the symptomology of bipolar disorder.

Manic episodes are usually the easiest way to diagnose bipolar I disorder, because it is very difficult to confuse a manic episode with anything other than bipolar mania. Bipolar II is much more difficult to diagnose because people with bipolar II may spend as much as 90% of their mood swing periods in the depressed state, and their hypomanic symptoms may be difficult to pinpoint because they are often just viewed by the patient as “a really good mood” and not seen as problematic. Cyclothymia is also difficult to diagnose because of the absence of both mania and major depressive symptoms. Bipolar NOS can end up being a catch-all for patients who exhibit symptoms that are bipolar in nature, but do not fit the criteria for bipolar I, II, or cyclothymia.

There is some evidence that the brains of people with bipolar disorder are structurally different in some areas than the brains of “normal” non-affected individuals, and a PET (positron emission tomography) scan can detect these abnormalities in the brain. PET scans are very expensive though and rarely used in the diagnosis of bipolar disorder.

Blood tests may be given to an individual who presents with bipolar like symptoms, to rule out other physical causes for the mood swings (such as thyroid, prolactin, or other hormone imbalances). But like I said before, there is no marker in the blood for bipolar; a blood test would only be given to rule out other conditions that may mimic the symptoms.

Bipolar disorder is not like unipolar depression (AKA major depressive disorder, or clinical depression) because it is extremely biological in nature, much more so than unipolar depression (which also has a biological component, but not as strong of a link). The majority of people with bipolar disorder, especially bipolar I, need maintenance medication for the rest of their lives to control their mood swings and allow them to live a normal, productive life.

Using natural methods like exercise, good nutrition, meditation, therapy, etc. can help improve the quality of a patient’s life, but they do not replace mood stabilizing drugs as a front-line treatment for bipolar disorder, and have not been proven to be any more effective than placebo in controlling depressive and manic episodes. While nobody enjoys the idea of having to be on mood stabilizing medication for the rest of their life, the alternative – living with untreated bipolar disorder – is usually a much worse situation to be in.

I hope that helps. Good luck!

Q: Where do you go to get a bipolar disorder and schizophrenia diagnosis?

A: You will have to go and see a clinical psychologist.

Q: Is Bipolar II a valid mental disorder, or the latest diagnosis du jour?
When you read a description of Bipolar Disorder, Type II, it reads remarkably like the human condition. It sounds more or less like a personality type, not a pathology. And what counts as a ‘hypomanic’ episode, anyway? A good day? It seems so arbitrary and subjective to me.
I once had a therapist who told me that mood swings and bipolar II are the same thing. I think too many shrinks are just overpaid hacks spouting unscientific garbage.

A: A lot of psychology is arbitrary and subjective. It irritates me to see a lot of people self-diagnose themselves as bipolar without knowing the true symptomology. Mood swings do not count as being bi-polar.

Do I think it exists? Yes. Do I think it’s often confused for a part of the human condition? Most definitely.

Q: Is it possible to have a diagnosis of Cyclothymia, Depression AND Bipolar disorder?
My GP wrote a report on me stating that I had all three conditions at the same time. I don’t believe it’s possible to have even two of them at once. I believe Cyclothymia is a less severe form of Bipolar, and Depression when combined with hypomania is a symptom of Cyclothymia, not a disorder in itself.

A: Cyclothymia is in fact a mild form of bipolar. I have known people to go from having Cyclothymia disorder to progress onto having bipolar. Depression is part of bipolar so can not be classed as a separate disorder. hypo-mania is also a sign of bipolar type 2 disorder. You could have what they call bipolar “NOS” (not otherwise specified. this is when you don’t come under any of the other types such as bipolar l bipolar ll or Cyclothymic disorders. take care good luck

Q: to what extent is the diagnosis of bipolar disorder linked to fears associated with national security?

A: None.

Q: PLEASE HELP! How long does it take for a dr/clinician to diagnosis bipolar disorder?
I believe that I may have bipolar disorder, and I will be going to a clinician next week to discuss my issues. I am unable to work because of extreme anxiety and depression, I was trying to find employment but all it did was give so much anxitey. I did work for the same employer for over 14 years and it kills me to even think that I would be unable to work ever again, because of this, I have worked since I was 15. Someone told be that if I am diagnosed with bipolar I can apply for SSDI because it is considered a disability, which would be great because since I have not been working things are just spiraling in a downward direction financially. This time of the year is going to be especially heartbreaking because i hav no income. I have 5 boys, but only 2 I am responsible for because the others are of age. It is very hard for me to accept the fact that there may be something wrong with me. Any words of advice or wisdom from someone who has been through something similar and how long it took for a diagnosis to be established, would be greatly appreciated.
To P.E.R.V.: This information about being bipolar came from my PCP and she is the one that suggested I see a clinician. Believe me I do not want a label, I have 2 children that have very legitimate labels and i hate the fact that they are “labeled”. Believe me i don’t want to crawl into a hole I am on meds and hopefully this will help. I have been or was in the social service field for over 14 years helping people and I know that there are alot of people out there that milk the system and would rather sit on there fat behinds to have someone hand them everything. Believe me I am not looking for a free ride or looking to sit on my behind and have things handed to me. I did check with a website allsup and a lawyer to see what I would be eligible for if it did come down to it and it is not $650 per month i would have to live off of it is approx 2100 per mth that i could be potentially elig for. But thanks soooo much for your advice.
Dear piji_caj:

Thank you for your support and your kind words of hoping that that I feel better soon. Its nice to get kinds words and support especially from strangers and someone who has experience with it. It sounds as if you have been through alot yourself and got through it and is possible. The clinician I am going to see seems to be very understanding and hopefully will get me to a better place soon. Good luck to you too!!!!!

A: The only way you get can get disability for mental disorders is:

1) Have you been hospitalized?
2) Have you tried to commit suicide?
3) Have you been on medication for awhile and not able to get better?
4) Have you had multiple jobs and not been able to hold a job?

I think your idea of trying to get money sucks.. “being diagnosed Bipolar would be great”. It is not great dealing with mood swings, taking heavy duty medications, being hospitalized, being so depressed you can’t get out of bed and want to die, being so manic that you climb bridges and threaten to jump, or spend all your money buying things you don’t need.

You should be trying to get help so that you can stabilize and get back to work and back to a normal life instead of sucking money from the government. I have been Bipolar 1 for over 12 years and meet every criteria above and have been on disability after trying to kill myself. But as soon as I get stabilized, I get back to work and off disability and I NEVER thought of my illness as “great.”

Q: i want to know if someone diagnosis with bipolar disorder works as health care worker. thanks?
i want to know if someone diagnosis with bipolar disorder works as health care worker. thanks

A: Your question is a bit confusing. Do you mean that ‘if someone has bipolar disorder can they be employed as a health care worker?’.

If that is your question then the answer is Yes. If they are capable of doing the job they can be hired.

Q: What are the statistics with regards to Bipolar Disorder and Asperger Syndrome dual diagnosis?

A: Apparently it’s fairly common, but it’s not a well studied area of psychology. I did a quick google scholar search, and I found this paper that might be of interest to you:

High prevalence of bipolar disorder comorbidity in adolescents and young adults with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder: A preliminary study of 44 outpatients by T. Munesue, Y. Onoa, K. Mutoha, K. Shimodaa, H. Nakatania and M. Kikuchi, 2008.

I’d start there and then look through the citations and papers that cite it to see what comes up.

Q: The Diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder: What Does It Really Mean?

A: What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder (also called manic-depressive disorder) is an illness that causes extreme mood changes that alternate between manic episodes of abnormally high energy and the extreme lows of depression.

Bipolar disorder may cause behavior so severe that you may not be able to function at work, in family or social situations, or in relationships with others. Some people with bipolar disorder become suicidal.

What causes bipolar disorder?
The cause of bipolar disorder is not completely understood, but the disorder runs in families and may also be affected by your living environment or family situation. An imbalance of chemicals in the brain is another possible cause.

What are the symptoms?
During a manic episode, you may be abnormally happy, energetic, or irritable for a week or more. You may spend a lot of money, get involved in dangerous activities, and sleep very little. After a manic episode, you may return to normal, but your mood may swing in the opposite direction to feelings of sadness, depression, and hopelessness. When you are depressed, you may have trouble concentrating, remembering, and making decisions; have changes in your eating and sleeping habits; and lose interest in things you once enjoyed.

The mood changes of bipolar disorder can be mild or extreme. They may develop gradually over several days or weeks, or come on suddenly within minutes or hours. The manic or depressive episodes may only last a few hours or for several months.

How is bipolar disorder diagnosed?
Because it has many phases and symptoms, bipolar disorder is complex and hard to diagnose. There are no lab tests for bipolar disorder; instead your doctor or therapist will ask detailed questions about what kind of symptoms you have and how long they last. In order to be diagnosed as bipolar, you must have had a manic episode lasting at least a week (less if you had to be hospitalized). During this time, you must have had three or more specific symptoms of mania, such as needing less sleep, being more talkative, behaving wildly or irresponsibly in activities that could have serious outcomes, or feeling as if your thoughts are racing.

Your urine and blood may be tested to rule out other problems that could be causing your symptoms.

How is it treated?
Bipolar disorder is mainly treated with medications to manage manic episodes and periods of depression. Your doctor may try several medications before finding the right combination to manage your symptoms long-term. Medications include mood stabilizers and antipsychotics. Antidepressants are used carefully for episodes of depression, because they cause some people to cycle into a manic phase.

Counseling for you and your and family is also an important treatment for bipolar disorder.

People with extreme cases of mania may be hospitalized to protect them from risky behaviors, such as driving recklessly or having delusions. During a severe bout of depression, hospitalization may be necessary to prevent the person from committing suicide.

Q: How many people do you think have bipolar disorder/depression and aren’t aware of it?
i think some celebrities might have it-
britney spears, amy winehouse, naomi campbell, etc.
i am sure there are others-
but i am not psychologist-
but how many people do you think actually have bipolar disorder/depression and go undiagnosed?

A: I believe many people have bipolar and arent properly diagnosed with it. Since my son was diagnosed in September of last year, I now know all the symptoms of bipolar and I concur with you 100 percent that Britney Spears is bipolar. I believe she had a manic episode lasting over a year and a physcotic break which entailed her shaving her hair, etc. I believe Britney is Bipolar I with manic tendencies. Amy Winehouse, on the other hand, I think may be Bipolar II with depressive tendencies. From everything I learnt and read over the past months 2 million people having bipolar and many, many more not diagnosed.

Q: What are some online support groups for people with depression/bipolar disorder?
I’ve heard that there are onlne support groups for people who have been diagnosed with a mental illness such as depression or bipolar disorder. If you have any recommendations, please let me know. I think an online group might help me relieve some of my feelings of isolation when I am alone. I know that an in-person type of group might be beneficial as well, but I’d like to start slowly.

A: http://lmgtfy.com/?q=online+depression+support+groups

Q: Can Bipolar Disorder or Depression be inherited from parents?
As much as I hate so say it, my girlfriend shows symptoms of bipolar disorder, or depression; I really can’t tell the two apart. Her mother has diagnosed bipolar disorder, and so does her grandmother. I was wondering if that kind of thing can be passed down genetically.

A: Yes it definitely can be passed down.

Q: Is there a correlation between ADD and Bipolar Disorder/Depression?
I was diagnosed with ADD in 5th grade. Because my family was ‘lower income’ and didnt want help from the state, I stoped taking medication for this condition in 7th grade. I struggled a bit through high school, both socially and with school work. I was a ‘cutter’ at one point as well. I took a ’self assessment’ in our textbooks and it said that I likely had Bipolar Disorder(the one that is depressed most of the time, and only ‘manic’ some of the time)
I graduated four years ago, went to college a little and dropped out because I didnt have the disipline to keep going. I dont seem to have any ‘drive’ anymore. All of my goal from high school seem so out of reach. I am sleepy all the time, and that isnt cool because I have a husband and a daughter now.
Does this sound like Depression, Bipolar Disorder, or ADD? or something else?
Also: I am afraid to get this checked out because I have heard that they just start putting you on meds, and that sometimes you wind up feeling worse than before you started. Is this true?

A: Most people who have ADD or ADHD have other disorders…it’s highly likely that you have depression with your ADD. Remember, you don’t “grow out” of ADD…you just grow into it.

I have ADHD…so I know all about the starting things and not finishing them…the feelings of failure, the fatigue from depression, etc.

The myth is “Medication will make it worse”, everyone is different…but medication can be life changing in a positive way.

Please, don’t listen to all the myths…you’ll only cheat yourself and your family out of a peaceful, normal life. Love yourself and get a proper diagnosis and some medication for the ADD. You may do so well on it you won’t need an anti depressant!

This has been my experience…I’ve done wonderfully on Adderall. I, too, thought medication was a bad thing…I wasted a lot of years not getting a proper diagnosis.

I’m not saying that medication is a “cure-all”, but it certainly has a made a positive difference in my life. I’m still disorganized as hell and moody.

I’ve often wondered if I’m Bipolar…my son was recently diagnosed. He didn’t cut himself but he was always peeling his skin off his hands and drawing on himself. I won’t go into to all of it…I could write a book on here! I just feel your pain and wish you the best of luck.

Please feel free to post some more questions…I’m glad to help!

Q: What are the most common symptoms of Bipolar Disorder? (In relation to depression.)?
What differentiates depression from Bipolar Disorder? I would really appreciate professional views! I could Google it, but I want a straight comparison; perhaps even from somebody that has/is still experiencing either of these. How did you come to recognize that you had Bipolar Disorder/depression? Any other information will be greatly appreciated.

Just curious. Thank you.

A: The difference between depression and bipolar is that we cycle between depression and mania. Read on for examples.

Here are some of my personal examples of the extremes. My moods generally last for a couple of months then there is a short period of being normal before I start to swing the other way

The low – Do not care about anything, stop showering, stop cleaning house, crying a lot, sleeping 14 hours a day, want to die but don’t have the energy to plan it, hating yourself for every little bad thing you have ever done….. feeling guilty about everything you have done while manic, knowing that everyone else hates you too. I feel like my mind has stopped working, thoughts are dulled, can’t read….. just lay there like a dead lump of nothing.

The High – these are symptoms as listed online followed by my examples

* FEELING EXTREMELY HAPPY OR IRITABLE* Like you just won the lottery or like your boss just cut your pay in half so he could give his daughter a raise but the feelings go on and on for weeks or months.

*INFLATED SELF ESTEEM* Believe that everyone loves you, everyone knows how smart, funny, pretty, sexy, you are. Think you are so good you can do anything.

* REDUCED NEED FOR SLEEP* 2 to 3 hours of sleep a night for weeks or months and you are never tired.

* TALK FASTER AND MORE THAN USUAL* Ramble on and on but the talk may be disjointed because thoughts are going by so fast you can’t get them out fast enough. It’s called pressured speech.

* BE MORE ACTIVE THAN USUAL* Needing to run 10 miles a day when you never used to even jog. Taking up 5 new hobbies.

* RACING THOUGHTS* Can be seen as confusion. It’s very confusing because your thought go by so fast and you have no control over them it’s like having 10 people all shouting at you at the same time.

* BE EASILY DISTRACTED BY SIGHTS AND SOUNDS* Ohhhh bright and shiny things. Because you have ceased to even try to listen to your own thoughts.

* ACT IMPULSIVELY, DO RECKLESS THINGS, REDUCED INHIBITION, SPENDING SPREES* Spending the mortgage money on furniture, buying 25 books about penguins because wouldn’t it be cute if they could be a colony,* DRIVE RECKLESSLY* 120 mph down back roads with the radio blaring and not really paying attention to the road because of all the bright shiny things, *GET INTO FOOLISH BUSINESS VENTURES* cashing out your 401k to invest in a worm farm or going deep into debt so you can gamble because you know you will win, *HAVE FREQUENT, INDISCRIMINATE, OR UNSAFE SEX* like sex with strangers (without a condom) or with your sisters husband or your husbands sister. Suddenly decide you are bisexual because the opportunity for twice as much sex is there…… Oh my I didn’t know I was into BDSM before… tie me up and flog me baby.

I am Bipolar 1 and while the other types of bipolar may not be as bad they are still much more extreme than the online symptoms portray. The above are things I have one while manic and that’s just a few of them.

Q: can depression be treated with weed? what about bipolar disorder or hypomania?
I used to smoke weed for about three years, but I quit for religious purposes, and now I’m wondering if weed treats things like depression, bipolar disorder, and hypomania? I may be inheriting bipolar disorder or hypomania, time will tell, and I’m a bit depressed. anyways can these things be treated with weed?

A: You know?Your depression could be a consequence of your weed smoking…You could probably feel better but would be just for a little period.In time you could be even more seriosly depressed.
I truly believe,and this is only my opinion,you can come out of you state of depression if you really want that.
I wish you all the best.

Q: Is it possible to have borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder & major depression at the same time?
My mother passed Bipolar disorder onto all 3 of her daughters (including myself) and I’ve been in counciling twice for major depression. I also have a serious concern about Borderline personality disorder. I have many of the symptoms of all three and I’m worried about them and my inablity to get medication.

A: Yes,it’s possible…I already had a bad period like this, when I was younger…

Q: Is it possible to have a diagnosis of Cyclothymia, Depression AND Bipolar disorder?
My GP wrote a report on me stating that I had all three conditions at the same time. I don’t believe it’s possible to have even two of them at once. I believe Cyclothymia is a less severe form of Bipolar, and Depression when combined with hypomania is a symptom of Cyclothymia, not a disorder in itself.

A: Cyclothymia is in fact a mild form of bipolar. I have known people to go from having Cyclothymia disorder to progress onto having bipolar. Depression is part of bipolar so can not be classed as a separate disorder. hypo-mania is also a sign of bipolar type 2 disorder. You could have what they call bipolar “NOS” (not otherwise specified. this is when you don’t come under any of the other types such as bipolar l bipolar ll or Cyclothymic disorders. take care good luck

Q: Can depression/bipolar disorder cause a person to molest a kid?
I don’t want any criticism….I know someone who’s molested a child and his psych evaluator suggested he might be suffering from depression. Is it possible that this caused him to do this horrible thing? He was extremely drunk at the time and came clean afterwards to the cops…He is now pending trial, but appears to show absolute disinterest in the whole thing….As for the actual deed…he touched a child inappropriately…
I just don’t want him to use bipolar/depression as an easy out…He is 23yrs old but is very immature..please help

A: Mental Illness does not provide an excuse for abusive behavior towards others, particularly sexual abuse. A person who attempts to molest a child does so because they want to do it and because they lacked the self-control to resist the impulse. The alcohol was probably the biggest factor in lowering your friends inhibitions and self-control enough to act on this, but again, it is not an excuse as no one made him drink and many people drink and don’t act out. Pedophiles, which your friend may or may not be, also have a fixated desire for sexual contact with children, however this diagnosis does not provide an excuse either. The only way psychiatric problems can offer a defense legally for criminal behavior is when it can be demonstrated that the illness caused the person such an impaiment in reality testing that they could not distinguish right from wrong, and this is very difficult to prove as even those with grossly impaired thinking still usually are able to differentiate between right and wrong. Your friend needs to experience the full consequences for his actions-I agree with you.

Q: Is it possible to avoidant personality disorder, social anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression and ADD?
Honestly, I feel like I have all of these issues and I understand many are intertwined and likely caused by others. I’m seeing a psychologist tomorrow for the first time in my life. Should I just straight out tell them I think I have all these problems or let them ask the questions?

A: If you are worried about all of these things, then the most likely diagnosis is an anxiety disorder of some kind, such as Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Anxiety and Depression frequently overlap.

Tell the doctor (psychologist) about your symptoms meaning tell them you are worried about them. Let them do the diagnosing-that is what they are trained to do. They should ask specific questions to help them rule in/out a diagnosis.

Good luck and give yourself credit for seeking help.

Q: Is attempting or committing suicide because of depression/bipolar disorder justifiable? Why?
There are several general issues pertaining to my asking this question:

ASIDE FROM religious perspectives,
(1) is depression unforgivably selfish? Why?
(2) is attempting/committing suicide immoral? Why?
(3) is euthanasia (in the traditional sense of termination of life due to ‘biological’ illnesses) immoral? Why?
(4) are the principles of suicide and euthanasia the same? Why?

Lastly,
(5) is depression/bipolar disorder as ‘legitimate’ a disease as, i.e., cancer? Why?

I am curious about the general consensus of the answers to these questions. Please explain your answer thoroughly so your train of thought is sufficiently conveyed. Thanks!
Crap, sorry, I posted this question like 3-4 times. Stupid internet.

Additional note: I am not considering suicide, just taking a survey on the matter. I’m fine! =)
Apologies for dictating that the answer had to be from non-religious perspective. I wrote that because I have already explored that perspective concerning my question. In retrospect, I shouldn’t have restricted it like that because that’s part of the answers of many people.

A: As a person whi suffers from depression, I tink I have more right that anyone else to answer these.

1) No. Depression cannot be helped. People have this awful habit of thinking that people with depression can get over it, they’re just overdramatizing and don’t want to. Not the case! Do you think we LIKE feeling like sh!t every day of our lives? No. No, we really, really don’t. Every day is hard, every day is a struggle just to do the simple things… I don’t think developing a mental disorder you have absolutely no control over is selfish.

2) I think that there are many cases in which Suicide can be seen as a justifiable cause. Many people with depression just don’t see any “light” at the end of their tunnel. Where a normal person can see that the sadness will eventually end, and that there are many things worth seeing it to the next day for, Depression clouds a persons judgement and just fails in letting them see these simple facts that people without the disorder take for granted.

3) No, I don’t thing euthanasia is immoral. Euthanasia is not murder. It is someone who is sick or dying themselves requesting that another person assist them in taking their own lives. Many people who have committed euthanasia say that the person they assisted wanted it because they were bound to die of a very painful, humiliating and undignified terminal disease and that they would have rather died on their own terms than let the disease absolutely cripple them, and let their family see them in such a undignified way, the last way people may ever see them… the last way people will remember them… I see nothing wrong with this…

4) No. Suicide is when a person does it themselves. Euthanasia is assisted, and usually the person is very physically ill to want to commit euthanasia.

5) YES!! There is so much stigma surrounding mental disorders. People assume that because they can physically see the damage they cause, they don’t physically “exist”. They think because it affects he persons brain functions, the person is “thinking them up”. Not true. Most mental disorders are just as much physiological as a disease like Cancer. Many chemicals inside the brain are imbalanced, causing devastating effects on the persons mood and personality, causing mental disorders. I think people need tobe educated more about them..

Q: what is the difference between bipolar depression and bipolar disorder?
what is the difference between bipolar depression and bipolar disoder?

A: Bipolar disorder (previously known as manic depression) is a diagnostic category describing a class of mood disorders where the person experiences states or episodes of depression and/or mania, hypomania, and/or mixed states. Left untreated, it is a severely disabling psychiatric condition. The difference between bipolar disorder and unipolar disorder (also called major depression) – for the purpose of this introduction – is that bipolar disorder involves “energized” or “activated” mood states in addition to depressed mood states. The duration and intensity of mood states varies widely among people with the illness. Fluctuating from one mood state to another is called “cycling” or having mood swings. Mood swings cause impairment not only in one’s mood, but also in one’s energy level, sleep pattern, activity level, social rhythms and thinking abilities. Many people become fully disabled – for significant periods of time – and during this time have great difficulty functioning.

bipolar depression is listed as the same.

Q: What’s the difference between the depressions of the bipolar disorder and clinical depression?
Does it really exist one?
I mean, I know that the bipolar disorder have mood changes very often and that clinical depression is more like staying like that most of the time, but isn’t kind of the same after the clinical depressed has gotten trough it?
Thanks

A: Absolutely there is a difference, bipolar people are fine whilst they are on their medication, unfortunately, they think oh, I’m better know then go from one extreme to the other, with clinical depression, its usually a dark hidden secret that they feel that they cant share with anyone cause then they would have to face it and thats their worst fear, there are many types of depression, inability to cope with day to day life, the black hole that you feel you are being sucked into, but hang on for dear life, then their are those who just let go, medication can helps, but dont think that it can go away quickly, its a long haul and can come back again (although usually not as bad as the first time) at anytime, their are usually triggers that set us off, and we often dont know what they are, anyway, thats just whats happend to me or around me, hope this helps, goodluck!

Q: Are manic depression and Bipolar disorder really the same thing?
I was diagnosed with Manic Depression about three years ago. I stopped taking the meds after six months because I didn’t like what they do to me.

I have been having difficulty with my MD a lot lately–it’s been worse. Mood swings for no causes whatsoever. I was googling some alternatives to prescribed medication for Manic Depression and everything that came up was Bipolar disorder.

I knew that the two were similar–but are they really the same thing?

A: Yes, they are two names for the same disorder. Manic Depression is the old name for what is now called Bipolar Disorder. Professionals chose to discard the name “Manic Depression” or “Manic-Depressive Disorder” in favor of Bipolar Disorder because it is more accurate. Not all forms of bipolar cause manic episodes – bipolar II does not have manic features, but instead the patient suffers from “hypomanic” or “sub-manic” episodes. Cyclothymia also has these hypomanic features, as well as less profound depressive episodes. Because of the different varieties of the disorder, the name “Manic Depression” was misleading and inaccurate, so it was changed to Bipolar Disorder.

Hope that helps clear things up!

Q: What is the difference between bipolar depression + bipolar disorder?
Please…

A: There is no difference. “Bipolar depression” is simply the depressive phase of bipolar disorder. “Unipolar depression” is major depressive disorder that does not include the manic, hypomanic or mixed episodes that occur in bipolar disorder.

Q: What is going on in the brain that causes bipolar disorder?
I’ve seen the chart, for depression, where there isn’t enough of a certain cell or something, so people get depression.

But I’m curious about what it is that’s going on inside the mind with bipolar disorder that is causing it.

A: I have found some information in regaurds to your question which i beleive will be benifitual in some sort of an answer

please remember to vote for who ever provides the best answer thanks

Causes of Bipolar Disorder: The Basics
Bipolar Disorder Causes
The exact cause of bipolar disorder has not been discovered, but there are significant genetic components.

Bipolar disorder may result from a chemical imbalance within the brain. The brain’s functions are controlled by chemicals called neurotransmitters. An imbalance of one of these neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine, may cause bipolar disorder. When levels of this chemical are too high, mania occurs. When levels of norepinephrine drop below normal levels, a person may experience depression.

follow the link to source information and more on this subject

http://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/guide/bipolar-causes-basics

Q: What causes bipolar disorder and how long before the medicine takes effect?
A relative has recently been diagnosed with this and he has taken medication for 2 weeks with no result. Will he ever be normal again? What causes it? Will he always have to take medicine? He does not think he has a problem.

A: Give the medication time. I know it is painful to watch someone not respond to medication within the normal 2 week loading period, but 2-4 weeks is typical with many of the newer antidepressants, especially the SSRI’s.
As far as a cause, most likely genetics is the main culprit. There are studies being conducted that seem to suggest this theory, however; no conclusive answer has been found.

Q: What is the mutation that causes bipolar disorder and what type is it?
If it’s a gene mutation, what type is it, and if it’s a chromosome mutation, which type is it?
Thanks in advance for all your answers.

A: Psychiatry and psychology cannot even prove the cause of depression or anything else, it is all
‘educated’ subjective observation of patterns in people………
They cannot identify with any certainty what is and isnt genetic with any certainty………they make their best guesses…….
BiPolar , to hormone experts, MAY be undiagnosed hormone imbalances, and I just read that a person healed by seeing a hormone expert and having her thyroid fine tuned………the bi polar remitted or healed……..
Some will make bold claims of a genetic component, but there is no real proof.

Q: what are the causes of bipolar disorder or mental illness?
my aunt has mental illness aka bipolar disorder. i want to know what are the causes of it. thanks!!!

A: Several factors seem to be involved in causing and triggering bipolar episodes:

Biological differences. People with bipolar disorder appear to have physical changes in their brains. The significance of these changes is still uncertain but may eventually help pinpoint causes.

Neurotransmitters. An imbalance in naturally occurring brain chemicals called neurotransmitters
seems to play a significant role in bipolar disorder and other mood disorders.

Hormones. Imbalanced hormones may be involved in causing or triggering bipolar disorder.

Inherited traits. Bipolar disorder is more common in people who have a blood relative (such as a sibling or parent) with the condition. Researchers are trying to find genes that may be involved in causing bipolar disorder.

Environment. Stress, abuse, significant loss or other traumatic experiences may play a role in bipolar disorder.

Q: What causes bipolar disorder?
I just found out i am bipolar…and i no NOTHING about it…

why do i have this disorder?
what caused it?

and where can i find more info?
PLEASE help me. I am 15.

A: Surely the diagnosing psychiatrist has informed you, and should have provided information for you to take away and peruse. That said, there is no confirmed reason for what causes Bipolar. It is generally agreed that a combination of factors appears to trigger bipolar disorder and some of these factors may be shared with other psychiatric disorders.

There is no single cause and there may never be found a definitive reason for the cause of Bipolar disorder. Instead, a combination of biological, genetic, and environmental factors appears to trigger and perpetuate the chemical imbalances in the brain that shape this complex disorder. Among the biologic factors observed in bipolar disorder, as detected by using imaging scans and other tests, are the following:

a) Over secretion of cortisol, a stress hormone.
b) Excessive influx of calcium into brain cells.
c) Abnormal hyperactivity in parts of the brain associated with emotion and movement coordination and low activity in parts of the brain associated with concentration, attention, inhibition, and judgment.
This list is by no way exhaustive. There is avast amount of information freely available on the internet and several organisations exist specifically for people with Bipolar.

www.mdf.org.uk
http://www.bipolar-foundation.org/
http://www.dbsalliance.org/site/PageServer?pagename=home

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/bipolar-disorder/complete-index.shtml

Q: what causes bipolar disorder ?can someone cause you to have bipolar?
ok i know that bipolar disorder is a mood swing disorder.so do it mean when like people bring you down from being happy constantly ,and make you mad constantly whether its people you don’t know or family. so can that make someone to become bipolar .just by simply being brought down like all the time,and someone making you mad intentionally all the time on a constant basis as a child into adult hood or do you have to be born with it

A: “What are the causes of bipolar disorder?

While the exact cause of bipolar disorder is not known, most scientists believe that bipolar disorder is likely caused by multiple factors that interact with each other to produce a chemical imbalance affecting certain parts of the brain.

Bipolar disorder often runs in families, and studies suggest a genetic component to the illness. A stressful environment or negative life events may interact with an underlying genetic or biological vulnerability to produce the disorder. There are other possible “triggers” of bipolar episodes: the treatment of depression with an antidepressant medication may trigger a switch into mania, sleep deprivation may trigger mania, or hypothyroidism may produce depression or mood instability. It is important to note that bipolar episodes can and often do occur without any obvious trigger.”

Q: What causes psychosis in bipolar disorder?
I have bipolar disorder, and I hallucinate when i’m depressed or manic sometimes. Is it stress or a chemical imbalance? Thanks for responding.

A: I know that psychoses is caused mostly when people do not take their medications which is supposed to keep them level. Lack of sleep is a very important factor as well as excessive stress. If your doctor finds the right combination of medication for you then you should not get a manic episode usually. Psychosis I believe must be a chemical imbalance. Just try to stick to your meds and make sure you get enough sleep. If you still have hallucinations maybe the doctor should also prescribe a low dose of anti psychotic. for you.

Q: what causes bipolar disorder?
i have a cousin.he used to be very outgoing funny.he used to enjoy life a lot used to have a lot of fun in life.he has no problem in his social or family life.i mean he has no reason to be unhappy about life.
a few months bac he was diagonised with bipolar disorder.what may be causing it.plz dont tell me its genetical.even if it is then what other reason could be behind this?
i know about genetic factor.what else can be the cause?

A: Well stress and depression mostly causes it to much emotions in one place, mixture of feelings unstable hormones mind bloging situations mental issues(sometiems) things tht are conflicting mentaly ya kno inisde ur mmind

Q: I need to know the history, names and important dates,causes of bipolar disorder, and prevention of bipolar.?
I need to know the history, names and important dates,causes of bipolar disorder, and prevention of bipolar disorder.

A: History: been around for ever

Names: bipolar disorder, bipolar affective disorder, manic depression

Important dates: none

Causes: unknown. Some genetic components identified along with structural and biocehmical changes in the brain

Prevention: none

Treatment: Mood stabilisers – lithium, anticonvulsants, atypical antipsychotics

Q: What are the psychological and social causes of bipolar disorder?

A: Well most of the people i know with bi polar, the pysch and social stuff is and effect of the disorder, not the cause.

My own theory is that Albert Einstien believed the polarity of the earth was going to shift or change, either opposite or what have you. So to me it makes sense that if this way going to happen, people where going to develop something biological to cope with that (i was a little 420 thinking about it).

Ohh yea, heavy use of drugs DEF would have an effect on an someones kids, i think thats one too.

Q: Can bipolar disorder cause someone to make bad decision?
I just wondering because I have bipolar disorder. Any experiences?

A: Yes dear, bipolar disorder, of any disorder, when untreated in particular, can cause bad and risky decisions to be made. Of course, we all make decisions, but those made due to bipolar are obvisiously not what we would normally decide to do. The worst decision, of course, is when someone with bipolar disorder decides to stop taking their medication when they go into the manic phase of the disease.

Q: any one know what kind of violent actions or crimes that bipolar disorder causes?
help please!!!!
research paper due tommorow and its a huge deal!!

A: Most people with bipolar disorder are neither violent, nor are they criminals. It is possible, however, that underlying violent tendencies could be exacerbated during a manic episode. Similarly, manic episodes are also strongly associated with impulse control issues which could lead to criminal behavior. This is NOT the norm, however.

~Dr. B.~

Q: What causes bipolar disorder? and…?
what causes the ups and downs? why does it often develop in the teen years?

A: There are different types of bipolar disorder, and from how it was described to me, it’s a type of depression (there are many). Depression is due to chemical imbalances in the brain.

It doesn’t just develop during the teen years. There are many who do not develop symptoms until adulthood. But, one reason why it’s diagnosis is prevalent in teens is because there are a lot of changes going on in a teen’s body and mind, and imbalances can easily occur then. Also, another reason may be due to the fact that we (as a ‘modern’ society) have become better at diagnosing conditions such as this.

Back 30 years ago, my mom was married to a man who was bipolar and was on lithium. Lithium did nothing to help him. But, it took his doctors nearly 10 years to even figure out that he was bipolar. Now, it can take a year-or-so for doctors to determine the type of depression a person has and which meds help (if it takes that long–often, it doesn’t take more than that).

Q: What effects does Bipolar disorder cause to the brain?
Im researching bipolar disorder and am trying to figure out what effects bipolar has on the brain.

A: Every time you have a major episode, it makes you a bit more suscptible to another one. It also can make them worse. That is why meds and proper treatment are so important.

Q: Can bipolar affective disorder cause you to stop taking your medicine?
I am bipolar and know I should be taking my medicine for it, but my medicine made me sick. I got it straightened out with my psychiatrist, but for some reason I still refuse to take it. I tell myself I should and I’m not doing well, but my mind still refuses to take it. Is it strictly a lack of initiative, or can bipolar cause my fear or refusal of medicine?

A: Lots of mentally ill refuse to take their meds, for various reasons. The problem is nobody can force you to. But if you don’t, you have psychotic episodes, to you terrible in school and at work, you get yourself in trouble for acting out, etc. etc. etc.

So, the best thing to do is to take your meds.

Q: How could one with bipolar mood disorder get a good job?
I have been diagnosed with bipolar mood disorder 2 months ago and my medicines areworking good in me , I should say because I feel better and better each day. Of course, I give credit to God who is my greatest Doctor and my Healer!!! I believe that God uses instruments to heal us. I have taken one step at a time. I don’t hurry because I don’t want to disappoint myself. Few years ago, I have been in 3 to 4 businesses but everything failed. I have a good side of it, being good in designing and production but on the financial side, I am very bad at it. Knowing just now having bipolar, I have realized that all of my failures were caused by my illness. Now that I am being treated, I am praying for God’s guidance so I can be back to work or have a business which can help my family. I am married with a very supportive husband who did not leave me despite of my illness.. I have 2 beautiful children age 11 and 12. Please give me your encouragements to help me on this concern. Thanks…

A: People with bipolar illness are able to live normal happy lives. They can be successful in business and their personal life.
However, you have just been diagnosed and are just getting adjusted to your medication.
Give yourself a little time to feel better before you go out and work.
Right now, take care of your kids (they probably need extra attention from you after living through your illness) your husband, and yourself.
The best way you can help your family is to stay well. Keep taking your meds and don’t be so hard on yourself.

Q: Is Bipolar Mood Disorder the same as Bipolar Disorder?
I have a feeling they are different but not sure. Does anybody know? Or Do you have Bipolar Mood Disorder? I think it’s a less severe form of Bipolar Disorder.

Also, what are the symptoms?

A: they are the same, bipolar disorder is just an abbreviated way to say it. I have bipolar disorder and my research does not distinguish between the 2.
symptoms are periods of elevated mood,, followed by either a “normal” mood or a crushing depressiong the changes between the 2 can be as little as weeks (rapid cycling) or as much as years. I suffer from rapid cycling, my moods change several times a year and I don’t get full on mania but what is called “hypomania” which appears as though everything is ok but with a slightly elevated mood.

Q: what can i do about bipolar mood disorder ?
I have no parents that care about my belief that I have bipolar mood disorder… So I am unable to seek their help… What can I do to get help…
I have not been professionally diagnosed, that is wat i wanted to do. But my parents don’t believe I should be tested for it…. Wait till i get a car?

A: you mean you’ve not been professionally diagnosed??♦

Q: What is the best book that you could recommend me for guidance and self help about Bipolar Mood Disorder?
I have been diagnosed with Bipolar Mood Disorder 2 months ago and I have been surfing the net for possible info that I could get to educate myself and my family. Well, things are gettings better everyday as I pray hard and take my medications regularly. I got so interested with this topic knowing that there are many people out there like me. I searched amazon.com and found many references but I can not pin point which of those is the best. So, I am asking those who have tried purchasing books for Bipolar Mood Disorder and please do give me your suggestions based on your reading experiences. I will greatly appreciate your answers. It will help me and some who are in this condition. Please do specify the Title and the Author of the Book/s so it would be easy for me to look for them. I am from the Philippines and it’s quite hard to look for books like these because in our Country, BMD is not yet that accepted in the society. So, please help me. I believe you can.. thanks a lot. Bye…….

A: By far the best book on Manic Depression is entitled:

A BRILLIANT MADNESS

This book is an autobiography of the actress Patty Duke who has been diagnosed with Manic Depression. The book is well written and entertaining.

Patty Duke will write a chapter, then a lady by the name of: Gloria Lochman will write a chapterf, Ms. Lochman focuses on the medial aspect while Patty Duke’s wrtitings are of a more personal nature.

There are a lot of books out there on Bi Polar.

I consider it a priveledge to reccomend this book to you.

It is by far Number One!

Q: Is bipolar disorder a mood, mental, or behavioral disorder?
Many people say that bipolar disorder is a mood disorder but I see it as more of a mental “disturbance” instead of a mental “illness”. I also see it as somewhat of a behavioral and mood disorder. So the question is, what category does bipolar disorder fit into?

A: It is all three. Behavioral only because of the disorder’s affect on the persons thoughts due to mood changes.

Q: Has your bipolar mood disorder gotten you into trouble?
Do you have Bipolar mood disorder?

A: I have bipolar ll with rapid cycling moods and if I had a penny/cent for every time I got into trouble because of it I would be very very rich. from the police, relationships and not to mention the financial side of it all. I am not as bad as I was between the ages of 12-18 but still I do have problems with money when I am in a manic episode.

Q: Bipolar mood disorder or something else?
Its been 5 weeks since i started going to counseling and i know you shouldn’t expect immediate results, i have not yet been diagnosed but i can tell i have it or something pretty similar and in a month or so I will get tested, but throughout all my research into the subject I found the biggest treatment is medication, does the counseling help at all without the medication, if you have bipolar mood disorder tell me your story and how you’re being treated or even if you are.

A: The best treatment is both therapy and medication. Medication alone will not eliminate all the swings and you can also have “breakthrough” symptoms. In addition each episode will be worse than the last. The purpose of medication is to slow down the swings and decrease their intensity……. nothing can eliminate them. Therapy teaches you techniques to deal with remaining symptoms and how to recognize emerging symptoms so your meds can be adjusted before it gets too bad. Sometimes my therapist will notice changes in me even before I do.

Q: What is the best medicine as maintenance for bipolar mood disorder?

A: a couple of shots of vodka or tequila

Q: Is there anybody suffering from bipolar mood disorder?
Please tell about yourself, your symptoms. Please tell your own story.

A: I self medicated with pot and alcohol heavily between my 18th and 33rd birthdays; I mixed in cocaine toward the end. However, as I began to be more successful in my work, my self-medication, messiness, intolerance, belligerence, and irritability was tolerated by family and friends, “oh, he’s our brainy wacky brother”.

I always spent more money than I made. In the 1980s and 1990s, I made millions of dollars. The more I made, the more I spent. In 1998, I cashed out of an IPO with nearly $3,000,000 after tax. But, before a few months had gone by, I had purchased a house that I couldn’t afford, quit my job, and had to cash in stock in order to pay $800,000 in federal and state taxes. I divorced my 2nd wife, sold the house at a loss after 9/11 and split the money that was left over. I then proceeded to become unemployable, underemployed, and unable to hold down a job even when I found one. I ended up bankrupt by 2008.

In 2006, I had a nervous breakdown. I had been abusing pot (again) for the past 6-years, and had a run-in with my then boss. He spread malicious rumor and gossip about me and even spied on me. I ended up quitting, and asked a doctor to give me Clonazapam. I became unable to communicate, highly anxious, irritable and impatient. I couldn’t remember anything, and began to scribble notes in my moleskin; in the period of about 2-months, I filled up no less than 5 each moleskins .

I somehow found my way to a psychopharmacologist who pronounced me “bipolar type II rapid cycling”. Here I was, 60-years old, broke, and my new shrink tells me he’s finally figured out what’s wrong with me.

He put me on 200MG of Topamax and 30MG of Mirtazapine, and I came out of my fog and began to speak lucidly. I quit pot and alcohol and for the first time in my life, the noise in my head began to quiet.

However, I had to earn a living, and I became filled with optimism and euphoria. My shrink and therapist’s notes say that I was clear and rational, but I proceeded to overspend again, and ran up an $80,000 debt on credit cards. I also proposed marriage to three different women. I just didn’t have the impatience and irritability and drug abuse to go along with the euphoria.

I had always believed that I had some sort of “psychic but real” connection to the JFK and RFK assassinations. I believed that I had a psyhic connection to Quang Duc, the Buddhist priest who chose self-immolation to protest the Diem regime. I realize, now, the fallacy of my weird thoughts; but I had this belief for for over 40-years, between 1965-2008!

My life came crashing down after I withdrew $120,000 from my IRA to payoff the credit card debt.

Subsequently, I fell into the worst depression I’d ever had. It was physical; I lost 20-lbs. I moved my home to a smaller apartment, got rid of about 75% of my “things” so I could fit into the apartment, and I settled into a state of “living depression”.

I’ve been admitted to the Kaiser Permanente health system (an HMO in California), and am under the care of a Pyschiatrist and a Therapist. I attend group therapy sessions, classes, plus individual therapy. I clean the house, get my daughter to do her chores, cook meals, go shopping, exercise every day, and work hard every day. This has helped to fight the depression.

My shrink says that my reality is distorted on both ends. On the depression side, I believe I’m not being successful, when, in fact, my clients keep renewing my contracts and telling me I’m doing a great job. On the euphoria side, I over spend my credit cards and propose marriage to women serially.

At this moment, I seem to be in some sort of state of “awakeness”; like I’m a Zen Buddhist Bodhisattva; it’s not unreasonable for me to be depressed about my shattered life. I’m wide awake and aware that I need to help my daughter (who is 17) leave home and go to college, even if I don’t have the money to support her. I have just a few months left to teach her how to cope with life.

Q: i am taking a combination of epilim, lexapro and amitriptyline for bipolar mood disorder?
What are other people’s experience of these medications, any pros and cons.

A: I am unsure of the combination as such, but I have been taking Amitriptyline for about 4 years now for depression. The main side-effects I get a dry mouth and drowsiness. (I have to take the 225mg at night as when I tried to spread them out over the day I ended up falling asleep across my desk at work!) I’ve been told by various doctors that it’s a very old fashioned drug which is mainly avoided, but personally, I’ve found its the only anti-depressant that works for me. One of the worst side effects are the withdrawals though. I’ve tried to stop taking it multiple times and I couldn’t sleep, I was crying all day and having panic attacks plus much more. My friend was prescribed 30mg for back pain and suffered the same symptoms when she tried to stop taking it a week later! I’ve now accepted that I’ll be on them for life so if this thought concerns you, I would advise speaking with your Doctor about alternatives. Google ‘amitriptyline withdrawals’ to see others experience of the drug. Good luck! x

Q: Psychiatrist said i have symptoms close to these three…Schizophrenia, Bipolar, & Mood Disorder?
the Psychiatrist told me that my symptoms are very similar to these three things, Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, & Mood Disorder. She said i have like a mixture of all three of these things well symptom wise. What do you people think it is.

1.Brain Fog (Severe)
2.Vascular Headaches
3.Migraines
4.Full Sensitivity to Light
5.Headaches from bright light
6.Color mixing (Visual)
7.Memory problems
8.Visual perceptual and depth loss (Severe)
9.Bluish-purple hands (Cold Hands)
10.Sunglasses make me more foggy
11.Glasses make me see things farther away then they really are
12.Can’t concentrate
13.Can’t pay attention
14.Palpitations
15.I Can Hear Voices
16.Mood Swings
17.Shortness of Breath
18.Dejavou
19.Sunglasses make things appear like they are moving
20.Ground looks elevated (Frequently)
21.Reaction time is dull
22.Feels like I’m not really there or here
23.See black spots
24.See black lines
25.Confused (Often)
26.Forget what I just read
27.Checkered & stripe shirts hurt my eyes
28.Dry throat
29.Dry lips
30.Black on white paper, hurts & hard to read
31.Stores make me get severe headaches, extreme fog, and make feel like I could vomit
32.Sometimes feel like I am spinning
33.Room not very well lit gives me a headache and makes more foggy
34.Vision Blurry
35. Feels like people are out to get me (Frequently)
36. Trouble thinking of words & forget what I was going to say
37.Moving objects are hard to follow (soccer ball)
38. I see the ground move side to side like I am on a boat
39. Brain tells me to do stuff that I don’t want to like hurt someone
40. Feels like I am fighting against myself

A: My first response is, who do you mean by “you people”?Since a psychiatrist has given you something close to a diagnosis, my best advice would be to continue to see the psychiatrist if you like and trust him/her until they can figure it all out. Psychiatry is not like other fields of medicine. A lot of the time the diagnosis cannot be made right away. It may take time, medication trials, and maybe therapy to help you start feeling better. I believe the most important thing is not the name that the illness is called, but getting someone (a psychiatrist) who can, over time, figure out with you what the problems are. I am a psychiatrist and you have quite a number of symptoms. There is really no way of saying exactly what illness you have, if in fact you have an illness, just based on the symptom list. So, your psychiatrist is right, you have symptoms that are found in mood disorders (of which, bipolar disorder is one) and schizophrenia. However, you have many, MANY, more symptoms that could be attributible to other illnesses. So again, I suggest rather than asking a question like this to people who are not trained to give you an informed answer, stick with your psychiatrist, or a psychiatrist that you like and trust, and eventually they will figure it out. By the way, other illnesses you may have based on your symptom list include schizoaffective disorder, a personality disorder, or a medical condition that is giving you symptoms similar to a psychiatric disorder. Most importantly don’t give up hope, and you will get better. Good luck!

Q: does serlift help for mood disorder?is bipolar different from mood disorder?
last week i was totally depressed i lost interest in almost everything.and for the last 2 days i am feeling very high and positive, i walk fast, i feel good if i see myself in the mirror, at times i can feel my hands shivering. i consulted the doctor, he said i am suffering from mood disorder. he said that serotonin chemical is low. he prescribed serlift for 2 months. and asked me to come after 2 months. i just want to know if mood disorder is the same as bipolar. does serlift help for mood disorder and bipolar disorder?

A: serlift helps in overcoming ocd’s only.
The primary medications used to treat bipolar disorder, especially in prevention of future episodes are mood stabilizers. Lithium and Valproate are the most commonly used. Often manic spells require the addition of an antipsychotic medication or a benzodiazepine. Depressive spells may require the addition of an antidepressant. Electro-convulsive therapy (ECT) or shock treatment may be used to treat severe depression or mania. It is extremely fast and effective and has no lasting side effects. Psychotherapy is an important part of treatment to help the person and family cope with this chronic illness.

Q: Can mood swings from Polycystic ovary syndrome be confused with bipolar disorder?
I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in November of 2008 and i have been on medication ever since. My moods are somewhat stable but not fully yet. I was recently diagnosed with Polycystic ovary syndrome and one of the symptoms of it are mood swings. Is it possible that my doctors misdiagnosed me as being bipolar but my mood swings are from PCOS?

A: Yes, it is very possible. Does your dr. know you have been diagnosed with PCOS? I have been diagnosed with PCOS myself and my moods are constantly switching. On top of all the other symptoms of PCOS i’m miserable with menstural cramps even when I’m not on it..No wonder our moods are all over!!! Hope you feel better.

Q: Question about Bipolar Disorder (mood swings)? What does the pattern of depression/mania look like?
I am really confused about a feature of bipolar disorder. Spercifically mood swings and alternating behaviour.

1) If someone with Bipolar is in a deep depression, how quickly could the depression turn into mania. Could it be depression then suddenly change within minuets to mania or would it be gradual mood change over days? I thought that the mood could change within hours or days but am very confused now!

2) Could the mood then change back to depression after mania then back and forward within days, or is it more that one will experience depression for a few months, then maybe mania then possible a period or stable normality?

3) Is it common that one could experience both severe sympotons of deppression and at the same time symptons of hypo/mania? If this does happen, would the person be constanty in a state where they are unable to function properly, or would the severity of this state be changeable throughout the day/week etc?

4) Day by Day what would a person with Bipolar Mixed state typically experience? Would it be possible for a person with Bipolar mixed state to only experience the mixed state or would they alternate between mixed states and mania or depression?

Would it be possible for a person experiencing mixed state bipolar to have say a couple of months where they continuously had symptons of depression and hypo/mania and then after a certain amount of time they for no reason suddenly felt able to function normally?

5) Is fast cycling quite common? and how fast is fast change in mood? could it be hours or is it more like every few months.

6) I have heard that Bipolar disorder would only be concidered if the patient in question was exhibiting a clear distinction between mania and depression, in clear definable periods. This dosn’t make sense to me becuase i was under the impression that there the mixed state of bipolar and fast cycling were in the diagnostic critera and were both considered to be a part of the disorder as much as bipolar I or II. Is this not correct? So if a patient is exhibiting every single sign of Bipolar disorder mixed state, but isn’t experienceing clearly defined periods of mania or depression, but rather severe symptons of a mixed state, would this not be concidered to be true Bipolar disorder?

I have read a few question on here about Bipolar and a common theme kept coming up. i jsut want to say that i am not attempting to ‘diagnose’ myself, i am questioning the possibility of an incorrect diagnosis, so i don’t need advise to see a Phychiatrist. Thanks you for you help, there are a lot of questions, please just answer any of them and that would be great! Any personal expereince of Bipolar would be great, Thanks.

A: To answer your question of misdiagnosis, the general rule in mental health is that when no other diagnosis can be reached, it is usually bipolar. It’s generally hard to diagnose because when a patient has come to seek treatment, it is possible that not all of their symptoms have presented yet. Not all patients have all symptoms either.

1. There is no set schedule or pattern for depressions, manias, and intermissions. I’ve been depressed for months manic for a half hour and then depressed again.

2. Again, there is no pattern. Bipolar disorder is unpredictable. My depression had been stabilized for two months and suddenly I was manic. My doctors aren’t sure if it was triggered by the steroids I was taking for my ankle or if I was just manic.

3.The condition you’re describing is a mixed state or an agitated depression, in which presentations of mania and depression are typically lesser than the patients normal extremes. Again the key word is typical.

4. I personally think mixed state is better defined by the term agitated depression. The mania experienced is hard to describe, the only way I can think of is to say that it is darker than regular mania. People constantly in a mixed state usually try to stabilize their moods with mood stabilizers. There are people who have mixed states and others who don’t. There are people who have intermissions and others who don’t. The unpredictability of bipolar is the worst part about the disease.

5. Just as there are different classifications of bipolar disorder, there are different terms for the timing. More than four cycles of mania or depression in a given year is classified as rapid cycling. There is also ultra rapid cycling, although I don’t know how quickly cycles would have to be for a patient to be classified as ultra rapid cycling. The distinction between ultra rapid cycling and mixed state is definitive manias and depression. Rapid cycling is between 1 in 4 and 1 in 6. It’s hard to say because once treatment has been started and rapid cycling is present the goal is to eliminate it. Most patients also don’t seek or stay in treatment because of the stigma of mental illness.

6. Again, bipolar is so hard to diagnose because patients may not have presented with all their symptoms yet.

Q: I suffer from bipolar mood disorder,skitso affective disorder and they say I am a socio psycopath, cure please?
I have lived with these disorders for the last seven years using medication to contrl my mood and keep me from getting to nervous or aggresive, I suffer from a anger management problem the doctors say it is a result of my disorders, I would like to know if there are any herbal medication to replace all the drugs

A: Oh, dear, just because you have a mood disorder it does not mean you lack a conscience or you`re purposely vicious.I have bipolar1, GAD, and ADHD, and I`m not a sociopath. AND, yes, I take meds, BECAUSE, I know I need to.They have all kinds of research out there proving that these illnesses are in fact only managed with medication. Herbs and psychotherapy will not help, meds are needed.If you`re not being managed with meds, than you need to go back to your doctor and get your meds increased or changed. I`m being put on another set of drugs again because I`m not coping with my current drug cocktail.
Do you even know what a sociopath is? Google before labelling yourself.

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 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 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: 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

Q: How do symptoms of bipolar disorder initially present themselves?
Do they start out with gradual mood swings that may seem nothing out of the ordinary, or are they severe from the start?

A: Bipolar disorder isn’t anything that will start gradually and get progressively worse.You may have a slight case of it but usually isn’t a progressive disorder. There are a lot of good medications to help you and if yours is slight you may seek a therapist to help you control your mood swings.Educate yourself on organic or natural ways to help you also. You may be just missing something diet wise that might help you.

Q: What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder in children?
Are they the same as for adults, or different?

A: Adults manic and depressive swings last for days, in children they can cycle much more quickly. But they do have many of the same symptoms. I work with special needs children and had a bipolar student and learned alot from her family.

Readers Digest actually just had a good article on this, check out these links…
This site lists the criteria for diagnosis http://www.rd.com/content/earlyonset-bipolar-disorder-symptoms/

And this is one families experience:

http://www.rd.com/content/bipolar-disorder-in-children/

Whatever the case may be for your child, if you suspect this you need to be seeing a professional. Even if this is not the right diagnosis, obviously something is wrong. Get a referral from your pediatrician for a good psychiatrist. Not a psychologist, a psychiatrist. The first is a person who got a college degree in psychology and can do talk therapy but cannot prescribe medication, the second is a medical doctor and can prescribe medication. Both have their place, but for a serious mental disorder you need a doctor.

Q: What are symptoms of bipolar disorder?
I have a friend who might fit the criteria. She gets ideas in her mind for no reason, rambles alot, always wants people to be dooing things for her and to apologize to her, thinks everyone is out to get her, is always mad, confused and unstable, depressed, only happy when drinking or someone is doing what she wants, contradicts herself alot, doesnt take responsiblity for her actions, says one thing and does another, thinks its okay to complain about other peoples actions, but if its her who does the same, then others are supposed to be understanding, very selfish.

A: The ideas and rambling sound like maybe, but a most of the rest sounds like more possibly a peronality disorder (borderline/narsistic personality dissorder). There is a lot of overlap of symptoms between the disorders. However one big difference is bipolar has clear periods of depression alternating with clear periods of mania, usually lasting weeks to months and you dont seem to be describing that at all. A lot of instability sounds more like a personality disorder

However no one here or you can say for sure. She needs to see a psychiatrist to find out and get treatment for whatever it is.

Q: Any sites that speak against diagnosing bipolar disorder in children?
I have to write a paper on how ridiculous it is that children are suddenly being diagnosed with bipolar disorder and about how all celebrities that are out of control suddenly have “bipolar disorder.” I can’t find any sites that speak out against these things. Can you find any?

A: Here is a bit of info:

http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2006/11/08/bipolar-over-diagnosis/

Q: What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder in children?
Are they the same as for adults, or different?

A: Adults manic and depressive swings last for days, in children they can cycle much more quickly. But they do have many of the same symptoms. I work with special needs children and had a bipolar student and learned alot from her family.

Readers Digest actually just had a good article on this, check out these links…
This site lists the criteria for diagnosis http://www.rd.com/content/earlyonset-bipolar-disorder-symptoms/

And this is one families experience:

http://www.rd.com/content/bipolar-disorder-in-children/

Whatever the case may be for your child, if you suspect this you need to be seeing a professional. Even if this is not the right diagnosis, obviously something is wrong. Get a referral from your pediatrician for a good psychiatrist. Not a psychologist, a psychiatrist. The first is a person who got a college degree in psychology and can do talk therapy but cannot prescribe medication, the second is a medical doctor and can prescribe medication. Both have their place, but for a serious mental disorder you need a doctor.

Q: Do you think bipolar disorder in children is real?
Or do you think this is just a child acting like a child?

A: It is real because I experienced symptoms as a child. I was finally diagnosed in 2006. I am 31 years old now.

I now have a 7 year old that has symptoms.

As a child:
I was afraid to sleep at night
I got the shakes and was very nervous
I sometimes was very emotional
I was very depressed and cried for anything

But there are other disorders that can look like Bipolar in a child. For example, ADHD produces similar symptoms.

Q: Bipolar disorder in children?
I’m going to do an essay on bipolar disorder in children. Can anyone tell me a little about it? Is it the same as in adults? What are appropriate medications? How can the parents help the child? Anyone have any personal experience with bipolar kids or bipolar people in general? Thanks!
Okay, yes, in adolescence.

A: I’m assuming you classify children as people under 18 so I’m going to answer your question from my own experience.

I’m 16 and I’ve been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and currently take lithium to treat it. There are a lot of symptoms with bipolar disorder not every person who has it has every symptom (obviously) although the main symptom that everyone has is manic depression. Although I think it gets worse as you get older. Of course adults and children don’t react the same I think it’s worse in teenagers and adults more than younger children. I’ve been depressed since I was 11, but wasn’t diagnosed with Bipolar until I was around 13. I also have other disorders too. Most medications I know of that treat Bipolar Disorder also treat Schizophrenia. Medications I took/take for bipolar were Risperdal, Depakote, Seroquel, Lithium, Trileptol, & Abilify. Might be spelling errors not sure, didn’t check. Hope that helps.

Q: Is it comman for children with bipolar disorder to lie and steal?
My daughter is 11 yrs old with bipolar disorder and ADHD. Also, how do I deal with this behavior? It doesn’t happen very often and most of the time she steals from me and my husband. I’m thinking strongley of calling the police next time (yesterday she stole a $20 bill from my purse, she at first denied it but later fessed up when I wouldn’t let her out of her room until she told me the truth) Do you think tough love will work in this situation?

A: Don’t forget that one of the symptoms of bipolar is that the patient has a hard time determining the difference between right and wrong . Most of their acts are impulsive and they lack the reasoning abilities that most people use to determine what they should or shouldn’t do. Locking her in her room is not going to help! She knows that sooner or later she will get out, regardless . If she does confess it will be no more than a means to an end. Setting restrictions and assigning punisments for her behaviors may seem very important but focus only on the negative. Although it is important for her to learn what is unacceptable behavior, she must also be taught what you expect and will accept from her. Tough love says “We don’t accept who you are and we are going to do this {insert proper punishment} to you because we love you ” This makes no sense in the mind of a bipolar person. She will be going through her entire life dealing with the stigma associated with mental illness . Don’t let those first lessons be taught to her in anger. She is not a bad person, she has a bad disease. What helped me a great deal when my daughter was first diagnosed with bipolar was the information I learned attending a class offered by N.A.M.I. {The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill} called the family to family education program . The lessons I learned about what to do and what not to do have been invaluable. My daughter has come so far in the seven years since she was diagnosed. This is due in no small part to the support she has recieved from her family and friends. Believe me when I say that I was once standing in the dark place you now stand, stuck between my anger and fear and the love I have for my daughter. It truly is overwhelming. Choose very carefully . The decisions you make now will affect her for the rest of her life. Right now you are all she has. Be everything you can be for her. Take care, be positive. ….. love her so much that it hurts.

Q: How to explain BiPolar Disorder to young children?
to be able to explain what Bipolar is, and what it does to people with it.

A: Having bipolar disorder myself and having to explain it to a lot of young children, I always find it easier when you try not to be patronising and you tell them the 100% truth, however, they may not understand everything at first so don’t bombard them with things they wont get. Keep updating your explanation as the years go by and the children’s understanding increases.
Avoid lectures, where you talk and the child listens. Use everyday occurrences as opportunities to make brief comments on the run. This technique reduces bipolar disorder to a normal everyday matter-of-fact thing, they’ll get used to it and won’t think of it as a huge deal.
I’ve always said that bipolar disorder is something that makes my feelings very over the top sometimes, I don’t know why this happens and I can’t control it. Sometimes it is very frightening for me and for other people but when I take my medicine I can usually control it. It’s something to do with the brain, it makes me different in a way that is hard to explain. Sometimes I do things I don’t mean and I wish that they wouldn’t happen and I’m very embarrassed and sorry when they do but I know that they aren’t my fault, sometimes I like to stay in bed all day and not go outside and see other people.
Make sure that you explain that whereas bipolar disorder can be a large obstacle to cross, you CAN lead a normal and happy life

Hope this helps!

Q: Bipolar Disorder in Children?
I am writing a research paper about bipolar disorder in children. I think this might be too broad of a topic to write about, so does anyone have any suggestions on what I should specifically focus on in this area?

A: Bipolar depression is one of the rarer disorders, but if the range of topics within it are too large focus on one; i.e. causation, or risk factors, or cure, or prevalance across cultures/the accuracy of the diagnosis label.

Q: Please send links with arguments for and against diagnosing children with bipolar disorder?
Also, any links with related illnesses or causes of behavior usually associated with bipolar disorder would be appreciated.

A: http://healthyplace.net/communities/bipolar/children_4.asp

http://bipolar.about.com/od/diagnosis/Diagnosis_of_Early_Onset_Bipolar_Disorder.htm

http://www.newscientist.com/channel/health/mg19426043.900-bipolar-children–is-the-us-overdiagnosing.html

http://www.psychiatrictimes.com/p960531.html
http://www.adhdnews.com/bipolar.htm

http://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/health/info/mental/diagnose/manic.htm

Q: Children with bipolar disorder and their relationship with parents?
hey,
anyone know of children with bipolar disorder and how it affects their relationship with parents?
or any parental influence in how children deal with their disorder?
Thanks!

A: I have bipolar disorder, but I didn’t find out until I was in my 30’s. So for a younger person, a teenager or someone in their 20’s it can be very hard on the family.

Parents need to be understanding and do whatever they can financially to aid in the child’s medical and emotional well-being. If they can’t afford it, then they still need to see that the child gets some sort of counseling and medicine.

It is totally tough. Bipolar comes in different areas; some are grey and not severe and some are very severe. But if the child is young he has a very good chance of being medicated to be completely normal. I am….I’ve never been hospitalized because my parents paid for psychiatry and medicine all through my recovery and I didn’t have to go to a hospital.

Not all parents can afford to do this; but they can try and deal with their child as if he’s a special needs case. Would they give up on the child if he were retarded? Or diabetic? No. They’d get him medicine and therapy.

Hands down, the parents have a tough road..but it is totally fixable via medicine. I KNOW, it happened to me and now I’m totally functional, have a son, work, etc. and I’m happy and don’t need my parents any more.

Hands down, coming from someone with experience: Bipolarism requires good medicine, it may take a while to find the right mix, but children and adults can recover and be normal. The parents need to do whatever it takes to wait for that and see that it is taken care of.

Diane
’s

Q: Diagnosing bipolar disorder in children?
Can a four year old be diagnosed with bipolar disorder? My psychiatrist has been in practice over thirty years and will not diagnose this disorder until an individual is over twenty-one.

A: A child of year 4 can be diagnosed as having bi polar disorder , but till he becomes 16 , the diagnosis and treatment is quite different than a adult patient. It is preferred that such cases should be tackled by adolescent and child psychiatrist till he becomes 16. The reason being that there could be co morbidity existing. There could be quick and wide changes in symptoms, so all the norms for treating an adult with BP may not necessarily apply.

Therefore BP in adolescent and child category of patients is called chameleon of all psychiatric disorders.

Q: Children with bipolar disorder?
What does bipolar disorder in children look like? I think my son may have it

A: Children with the onset of Bi-Polar usually display extreme anger at times and at other times they may sleep at lot. Anything that you feel is disrupting his life and your families requires professional help. If it is Bi-Polar he needs help because he is suffering terribly and there is help.

Unfortunately nobody on this site can diagnose but if you are having problems the best thing you can do for your child is to get him/her to a psychiatrist preferably a child psychiatrist. A psychologist cannot prescribe medication and is not the expert at diagnosing this kind of problem. Definitely not the pediatrician as he may be very good at treating your child’s physical health but not mental.

Q: can i have children if i have bipolar disorder?
im 21 and have bipolar disorder and currently attend college. im just wondering if having bipolar disorder will affect my children. can they get the disorder? im sometimes embarassed about my mood changes and would feel guilty if i passed the disorder onto children i have

A: Yes…you can have children. And it depends, the origins of the disorder are not clearly known.

Q: Bipolar disorder in children research paper?
So I’m writing a research paper on the subject noted above and am doing pretty well but I need one more page and am having a prolbem finding something to fill that gap. I’ve already covered BPD itself and in children and treatment but need something to put in between I was thinking substance abuse but it’s a pain in the ass to find a credible source on that any thoughts?

A: It may be stretch to relate substance abuse to Bipolar, but if you want just google street drugs, oxycontin or drugs and youth. I would equally suggest adding ADD, OCD or a little early-onset Schizophrenia.

Q: How is bipolar disorder different in teens/children and adults?
I’ve been researching it for school and haven’t found much yet…
Any help is appreciated!

A: I recently received an email from the Juvenile Bipolar Research Foundation. It talks about some symptoms in Pediatric Bipolar Disorder (PBD) that they have documented. I have also noted them to be part of that constellation of symptoms. They include: suffers horrendous nightmares; antagonizes siblings; excessively craves sweets and carbohydrates; wets the bed; sleeps hot; takes excessive risks; hoards food; has many ideas at once; interrupts or intrudes on others’ expriences periods of self-doubt and poor self-esteem and deflects. (the entire article can be found at their website (I got it from Yahoo email ) so do a search, it will pop up)

I feel that whatever educational, learning or social experiences we want for our children who have these challenges — we need to study what various symptoms they may have — sometimes, doing whatever we would with other children isn’t what a bipolar child will do best with. Also, it is hard to tell when one child has symptoms and another not if we only look at the very old classical symptoms.

I know it makes a vital difference to study and learn all we can and ponder and pray about it all — it is a very huge task. But it does make at least some difference — including that the child knows we care about them — teenagers also come to understand whether our love is unconditional or not.

I am concerned when I hear parents talk about their bipolar child being a con artist — oppositional and all. It is so very hard to separate actions and personality from the disorder. Hang in there and hang with us — Bette

Q: how do you handle a 6 year old bipolar disorder child?
my Friend has a bipolar child and i babysit him i need help…BAD!

A: I have a totally workable strategy but of course check with a pediatrician first.

I run them ragged. Being six means energy , and lots of it. In this way I recommend the “Dog Whisperer’s” method of dealing with thoroughly neurotic dogs, get them up, get them out, and tire them out.

With kids it also helps to keep sugar away as much as possible. Sugar and Caffeine are BAD combination with adults, but kids react differently have an almost exclusively BAD diet these days.

Especially if the child has serious mood swings, doing what you can to limit both in their diet is a good idea, but that requires help from your friend, and possibly a good pediatric dietitian.

Hope this helps

Q: bipolar disorders?
i need to speak to two kinds of ppl, i need someone who is suffering from bipolar disorder, and a therapist who treats this. i need to interview them, so if anyone happens to have this disorder, or is a therapist, plz help this is serious. even knowing where i can find these ppl online, a website, where i can talk to a therapist, & or talk to a person who has this would be great, thnx u guys. u can email me too… =)

A: My sixteen year old daughter is bipolar. Feel free to e-mail me.

Q: What type of doctors deal with Bipolar Disorders Schizophrenia & diagnosis/treating those & similar disorders?
I want to be some type of doctor and I love dealing with things like Bipolar disorders, Schizophrenia, psychological problems of the mind, and how the brain works and leads up to these disorders. I know there are neurosurgeons but I might want to go more in depth and actually deal with Disorders and not EVERY aspect of the brain. I may also be interested in surgeries on the brain that have to do with these disorders etc. Please list types of doctors and careers that work in these or similar fields

A: Psychiatrists deal with the sorts of disorders you mentioned and may use prescribed drugs, and possibly methods such as electro-convulsive therapy for severe depression (for example). Most of their time is spent talking to patients for diagnostic purposes and assessing the effects of hospital and/or community psychiatric programmes and of any prescribed drugs. They work with many other mental health professionals and may work with neurosurgeons on some specific treatments including psychosurgery.

You may want to consider also the possibility of becoming a clinical psychologist; they also work with people with mental health problems but do not prescribe drugs. For this you will need a degree in psychology and a post-graduate degree in clinical psychology as well as chartered status with BPS. They will use various ‘talking therapies’ e.g. cognitive behavioural therapy or other appropriate therapeutic approaches. Clinical psychologists work closely with psychiatrists and other mental health personnel such as psychiatric nurses in hospitals community-based work.

Q: What are some disorders or diseases that have similar symptoms to bipolar disorder? (in teens)?
Like, what are some disorders that you could have if you have extreme mood swings extremely often and for no apparent reason and you sleep a lot more or a lot less than usual etc. besides being bipolar.

A: Lots of them.

ADHD
ADD
OCD
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
PMS
Normal teen hormones
Oppositional Defiance Disorder
Boarder Line Personality Disorder
Thyroid Problems
Insuline Resistance
Diabetes
Depression
Substance Abuse
Pain killer side effects from a physical injury
boredom

That is all I got of the top of my head, hope that helps.

(NOTE-NO ANSWER HERE SHOULD REPLACE THE QUALIFIED DIAGNOSIS OF A RUPUTABLE DOCTOR)

Q: Is there any natural remedies to fight bipolar disorders or panick atacks?
anibody knows about a natural remedies or techniches to fight a panick atack or bipolar disorders?

A: Kava Kava is a root that I have taken, in capsule form, to help with panic attacks or anxious stress in general. It’s famous for it’s ability to calm your nerves and promote a feeling of calmness and well-being. You have to make sure to take a dosage that’s appropriate for you (I recommend asking someone who works in the supplements section of a good natural/health food store). http://www.raysahelian.com/kava.html

Valerian root is also available in capsules, and works as a mild sedative and sleep aid. I also found this to be effective, particularly when anxiety was causing insomnia. This stuff is very stinky! I recommend keeping it in a Ziploc bag Check this out for more info: http://www.1001herbs.com/valerian/

Both Kava and Valerian should be used with caution if you are planning on driving. You should try taking them at a time when you do not have to drive (or watch little kids, or other important stuff like that), so you can see how much of an effect they have on you.

Bach’s flower essence remedies makes a product called “Bach’s Rescue Remedy”. I found that this stuff is awesome for bringing me down from an anxiety/panic state, but doesn’t create the somewhat altered-state that Kava and Valerian can cause.
http://www.bachflower.com/rescue_remedy.htm

Good luck in your quest! I had to go through a lot of horrible experiences with prescription drugs before I discovered some more natural things that worked for me (in addition to my Rx meds). These are the ones that worked for me, and have worked for other people I have recommended them to.

Q: Is there a link between Eating Disorders and Bipolar Disorder?
Besides the obvious, impulsive behavior and low self esteem (as my boyfriend just pointed out to me), are there any other common links between anorexia or Bulimia and Bipolar Disorder?
really, just doing some research for my page and wanted to know opinions as well as facts

A: yea i gained 15 pounds in 3 months

Q: Is it possible to be committed for bipolar disorder or personality disorders?
I’m wondering what the good people in the medical profession would do with a young woman (18 so legally an adult) who has significant difficulty getting by in the world due to manic depression or any number of personality disorders. Is the protocol to store such people away or pump them full of psychiatric drugs? I find it most likely that they’re totally ignored. Opinions, thoughts, insights?

A: It depends completely on the person. If they seek help they will receive help, if their families try to get them help they may get help. Taking medication (not as bad as you make it sound) is up to them, no one can force them. They may not get help because neither they or their family even realizes it’s a problem. Society likes to ignore the fact that mental illness exists but on an individual basis everyone’s situation is different.

As for being committed……. they can only be committed against their will if they are a threat to themselves (suicidal) or others (violent). The mentally ill have rights too. Prior to laws giving mentally ill people rights they were locked up in institutions and ignored.

The good medical profession can not go door to door trying to pick oout and help those with mental health issues……. those needing help need to seek it.

Q: What impact does Depression, bipolar disorders and mental illness have on crime and criminal behavior?
This is a question that I have in reference to my criminology class. I am stuck on this one.

A: I personally believe that the individual mentally ill person’s internal compass still functions except when they totally lose touch with reality.

Even though we have a mental illness does not mean we no longer know what is right from wrong. It does not mean that we have lost the ability to understand what impact our actions could have on others…

The problem with a mental illness that is not being actively controlled/managed is that the person CAN have a much lower impulse control. I think that is where the problems happen and create situations where spontaneous criminal activity occur.

But our mental illness is not an excuse for our behavior unless we have totally lost sight of reality and right and wrong.

We are still responsible for our actions.

I think for the most part, mental illness sufferers are way to occupied dealing with their own personal form of hell than to embark on life of crime. We might have “bad” days and as a result draw the attention of law enforcement but I’d say there are more normies that process through jail on any given day…

Q: Is there any study exploring the link between disorders like epi and bipolar, and having a higher IQ?
Is there any scientific research or proof that disorders like bipolar and mental illnesses are connected to people with higher (or lower) IQ?

A: http://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/content/abstract/144/10/1288

http://www.schizophrenia.com/sznews/archives/003304.html

Just 2 random studies

Q: What do you do when you have both anxiety disorders and bipolar disorder?
Do you go on two types of medications at the same time, is therapy effective, etc.?

A: Sometimes the mood stabilizers used to treat bipolar disorder can also “treat” anxiety as a side effect. That is, if the anxiety stems from the bipolar disorder (which it sometimes does), then treating the mood disorder will also treat the anxiety because the anxiety isn’t a separate problem of its own, but rather a byproduct of the bipolar disorder.

However, I’ve seen a lot of your posts in the past. You have said that you suffer primarily from anxiety, and that you didn’t even consider bipolar disorder as being a possibility until your psychiatrist brought up cyclothymia. Have you gotten a second opinion on that? Has another mental health professional corroborated the diagnosis of cyclothymia? If you are unsure about your diagnosis (which you have certainly seemed to be in the past) you should seek a second opinion, just to make sure you’re being treated for the right thing. Since you never noticed your mood as being a problem in the past, a diagnosis of a mood disorder seems a little odd to me.

There is a type of therapy called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) that is extremely effective in treating anxiety disorders of all kinds. It addresses your thoughts and the resulting anxious behaviors, and by changing (or “restructuring”) your thoughts, allows you to change your behaviors and beat your anxiety. Even if your anxiety does stem from bipolar, which is questionable at this point, it will help you manage your symptoms in a much better way with or without medication.

Good luck.

Q: What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder or other personality disorders?

A: Symptoms of bipolar disorder involve intense mood swings between:
Abnormally high periods (eccstatic, joyous, reckless, hyper) where you begin to talk really fast, sleep less, and do reckless things (drive too fast, spend money you don’t have, etc.)

Abnormally low periods (depressed, lethargic, intense sadness or anxiety) where you slow down, sleep more, eat more/less than normal, or practice some form of self harm.

Your mood can change within minutes, hours days or even weeks.

If you have any of the symptoms of bipolar disorder it is extremely important to go to your doctor right away, as you will need to be put on some form of medication. People with bipolar disorder are at a high risk of suicide.

Q: What happens if I have both bipolar and anxiety disorders?
I definitely have anxiety disorders, and possibly some bipolar spectrum illness. If I have both, does that really mean I have two separate types of illnesses, or all they all really connected? Will I have to take a bunch of medications? I don’t know what to do anymore…and I’m not sure if I have bipolar or not.

A: Bipolar and anxiety disorder often go hand in hand. Even though they are usually both present in one person, they are still separate disorders. They just tend to come together. You will need a diagnosis by a professional to tell what exactly you have. I have both bipolar and anxiety disorders, and I take a few different medications. Your psychiatrist will know how to help you, so I strongly suggest getting one. Bipolar disorder and anxiety disorders both have a very wide treatment spectrum, there are hundreds of medications and some combination will be right for you. Good luck!

Q: Write a 700 to 1,050 word paper outlining the differences between unipolar and bipolar disorders.?
I don’t need this written for me I was wondering what the underlining causes of the two disorders are?
If you want best answer please tell me in depth.

A: Unipolar disorder is when you only go one way in your emotional state, and to a degree that it becomes dysfunctional. It usually refers to depression. In Bipolar Disorder you go frmo one extreme to another, sometimes you are depressed, other times you are elated, fast and proud of yourself.

Q: Does the environment cause mental disorders, bipolar disorder or mania just to name a few?
I read that the word loony came from back then when the only source of light was the moon. Light sources at night apparently might have cause bipolar disorder in people. I wonder did it have the same effect on me.
My old parents have set up night-lights in every room since i could remember, and its sometime even bright enough to read at the lightsource. I dont know why exactly but it drives me insane. Its like i want to jump up and run into a wall, and hit myself with something hard. I move around so much in my bed, i can wake people up.
But then, it doesnt have the same effect on my parents…I hvae to sleep in total darkness but since light polution makes the sky light up a bright crimson or pink, i have lots of trouble falling asleep. I usually need to wake up early too. It seems my circadian rhythms are messed up, but my parents fear that if diaster happens at night, they cant get out if its dark. They sleep save, i go to bed insane…
Whats your assessment?

A: It does sound as though your circadian rhythms
are messed up.
Find a way you can sleep in total darkness—–
better blinds, mask, etc.
Make this aspect of your health a priority.
Go to bed at the same time EVERY NITE—–
even weekends. And get up at the same time
EVERY morning, even weekends. Make sure
you’re getting at least 8 hrs. of sleep a nite.
It will take about 3-4 weeks of this to get back
in sync.
I wish you the best.
E-mail me to let me know how you’re doing.

Q: Do people diagnosed with Bipolar disorders suffer from apathy?
I’m just wondering. I’m trying to do a little research for myself.

Thanks in advance to anyone who answers.

A: It’s not unusual to feel extremely apathetic when going through a depressive episode. Since part of bipolar disorder is the depressed mood swings, it would be expected that they may feel a sense of apathy while depressed. In general though, people with bipolar disorder aren’t any more likely to be apathetic (when not depressed) than anyone else.

Q: What are signs of bipolar? Are there any signs of bipolar disorders?
I seriously think I might be. I go from depressed to happy to mad to sad to loving to depressed again.

The other day my bf and I (we live together) got into a little scrammble. He didn’t do anything. I worked and then I had to go back at 5 to work till 10. I came home him and his bro where sitting on the couch watching tv. My house was a wreck! The trash was over flowing, the kitchen had beer bottles all over it. I cleaned up a little and put some dishes in the dishwasher. My bf was eating. He had came to my work to see what time I got off. Stopped and got him something but didn’t get me anything, it was like 20 minutes earlier he has came to my work. I got upset. He didn’t think about me enough to try to clean up a little. We started argueing and I slung my purse phone, and keys at the wall. Then I got all sad. This isn’t the first time this has happened. He said I needed to see a psychologist I think I do too.

A: I have Bi-Polar and it’s a hard thing to live with, BUT you can. I agree with your boy-friend about seeing a Doctor. They can put you on the right cocktail of meds. that can and will help you, but first you need to know is it Bi-Polar or just all the stories you have heard or another Mental Health issue. Pick-up the book that Patty Duke wrote, it opened my eyes. Good luck to you!

Q: Does herbalism work for bipolar disorder treatment instead of conventional medicine?

A: I have bipolar disorder and several other mental illnesses. When I go to group therapy there is always one or two people who have quit medication and started taking natural herbalism for cures. In the old days we called this snake oil. You put yourself at risk. First you quit the medication a trained professional prescribed for you cold turkey. This is a lot different then quitting cigarettes cold turkey. This can make you paranoid, suicidal, and possibly homicidal. Herbalism has not shown anyone that it works. It is a way that the company exists, sell things that cost almost nothing for a lot of dollars. This is a salesman’s dream. Get it for nothing and sell it for plenty.

Never would I give up my conventional medication for snake oil. Even if I was told that the medication I was on was addictive. If it worked then I would be on it the rest of my life anyway. If it didn’t work we would be able to find out fast enough and be able to ween me off it.

Q: what is the best treatment for bipolar disorder?
I am 27 yo suffering of bipolar disorder since I was a teenager. I think the pills I take (seroquel and serlift) are still not good enough.

A: The best results for treating Bipolar come from a combination of medications and therapy. It can take a long time to get a combination of medications that work, and it can also take a long time to connect with the right therapist. I’ve finally found both, and I am doing better than I have in 20 years of treatment.

My best wishes to you!

Q: Is there any way you can compel someone by law to seek treatment for bipolar disorder?
My ex has bi polar disorder and will not admit it to himself and will not seek treatment. As a result, I don’t want him around at all and that makes it very hard on me raising our daughter on my own. Also he doesn’t pay child support and I resent that. Is there anything I can do to force him to seek treatment?

A: I don’t think there is anything you can do unless you take him to family court regarding your daughter and custody and tell them of his problems and ask that he isn’t allowed to be around your daughter unless he pays child support and seeks help for his bipolar problem and even his drug problem. They helped me with my ex is almost the same regard.

Q: Is there simultanious treatment for bipolar disorder, anorexia, and drug problems?
I am currently being treated for having Bipolar type 1. I have not told anyone but I also think I may be anorexic and have a drug dependency problem. Although I’ve never told, I’m pretty sure other suspect. Is there a place I can get treatment for all 3 things at once?

A: River Oaks Hospital in New Orleans, LA.

Best of luck to you in your treatment,
~M~

Q: is it bad NOT to have treatment for bipolar disorder?
i have bipolar disorder. what will happen if i don’t get meds or psychiatric help? will i go insane? what’s hte worst thing that can happen to me?

A: It depends on the severity of the disorder. Keep in mind that if you let it go you are not only depriving yourself of relief, but you are depriving others as well. Whether you know it or not your actions and your feelings have impact on everyone around you.

Q: Is marijuana a good treatment for bipolar disorder?
I recently found out I have it and I’m afraid of taking pills for it. Those side effects scare me more than that of marijuana, which I heard can be affective for some patients.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treatment_of_bipolar_disorder

A: Just to get this out of the way, so all the Lithium pushers will shut up- I’ve been on the crap. The only thing it does is make your stomach feel like a thousand fists are hitting it all the time. This is a COMMON side effect (terrific stomach pains that is). And there is such a thing as Lithium poisoning which can kill you. And it can happen with a small dose if you’re intolerant to it.
Ok, I feel better, now I can answer your question.
For one, there is a lot of known problems with bipolar medication. They have a tendency to not mix well and some mixtures can be lethal (doctors had me on Trazadone and Lithium, both bipolar medications and the combined side effects caused me to have seizures). They also have laundry lists of side effects- everything from vomiting to increase of bipolar symptoms.
Now on to the topic at hand. Marijuana is a depressant, that is a downer. That’s not to say it will make you depressed, it usually doesn’t. But it does make you feel lethargic. However, there is extensive research that marijuana contains natural properties that can be used medicinally. Psychological disorders are one of the many types of diseases/disorders that can be effectively treated with marijuana.
That’s not to say it will work for you. Like any drug (although I do not personally count marijuana as a drug, it is considered by many to be one, so let’s play that game) it has a different effect on everyone. Some people find that it increases depression, many claim it keeps them in a level mood. I am personally one of these people and don’t know of anyone that gets depressed while smoking pot.
It is illegal in most states, though. That makes your home remedy a risky one. Thankfully small quantities of marijuana in your possession is not a heavy charge (criminally). And no, I’ve never once been charged with possession, I have a note.
Try it. It will not hurt you. Just make sure you have some people around when you do. Good luck, don’t take the meds, seriously. Bad stuff.

Q: is there a drug that works similarly to symbyax for the treatment of bipolar disorder?
symbyax is a combination of fluoxetine (prozac) and olanzapine (zyprexa) that works wonders but has the unfortunate side effect of inducing significant weight gain (that’s the zyprexa), a prohibitive factor in those already overweight for whom it represents a serious medical concern in it’s own right. does anyone know of a similarly-acting med that is weight neutral? the prozac by itself does not help. thanks!

A: Zyprexa is one of the most weight gaining drugs you can take.
You should ask your doctor if you can try a different antipsychotic.
You should keep taking the prozac to stop you having a bad depressive episode.

Q: Are there any natural treatment therapies for bipolar disorder?
My grandchild (17) was put on 50mg of seroquel after being tenetively diagnosed with bipolar disorder. She also has been diagnosed with post tramatic stress syndrone and OCD.

A: Homeopathy on Mood Disorders / Affective Disorders — Depression, Mania, Bipolar Disorder :-

The fundamental abnormality of an affective disorder is a disturbance of mood, either depression or mania. Depression is by far the commoner; most patients who have manic symptoms are also prone to depressive episodes but the reverse does not apply. In a few cases depressive and manic symptoms occur simultaneously or in rapid succession (mixed affective state/ bipolar disorder).

CAUSE of Mood Disorders / Affective Disorders — Depression, Mania, Bipolar Disorder
- Genetic Factors have some role in bipolar disorder.

- Environmental factors like

Loss of mother before age 11
3 or more children under 14 living at home
Lack of confiding relationship
Lack of employment etc
are known to play a significant role in mood disorders.

- Physical Illness – A physical illness can be followed by depression, esp. those like cancer, AIDS, and heart diseases etc which carry serious implications. Also mood changes can occur after infectious mononucleosis or influenza and other viral illness.

Depression or mania could be the presenting feature of cerbrovascular disease, neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinsonism and endocrine diseases such as Cushing’s syndrome, Addison’s Disease, and hypothyroidism.

Mood changes can also be associated with drug therapy, for eg. corticosteroids, beta-adrenoceptor antagonists and other anti-hypertensive drugs. When mood disorder results directly from physical causes they are known as organc affective disorders.

- Personality – Some depressives have personality characteristics which are thought to predispose to the illness. this involves a negative attitude to oneself, the outside world and the future; the term ‘cognitive triad’ ha been applied to these attitudes.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION
Depression of mood is the primary symptom. There may be a diurnal variation of mood, depression being most distressing early in the morning or at the end of the day.
Loss of pleasure in life (anhedonia)
Loss of interest in oneself and others
Low self esteem
Self blame
Hopelessness
Suicidal thinking
Feeling of guilt and worthlessness
Sleep disturbance (initial insomnia, early morning wakening or hypersomnia)
Poor concentration
Fatigue
Headache and other pains
Anorexia (loss of appetite)
Weight changes
Constipation
Reduced libido
All these symptoms may not be present in any single person and the level of intensity of symptoms vary from person to person.

Mood Disorders / Affective Disorders — Depression, Mania, Bipolar Disorder – HOW DIAGNOSIS IS MADE?

The diagnosis is usually done clinically based on the signs and symptoms.

HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT for Depression
Homeopathy offers very good treatment possibilities for depression with good results. There are large number of medicines which can be used and the selection of medicine depends not just on the symptoms but also on the cause. Depression is a manifestation of the disorder and to treat the manifestation it is necessary to find the cause. The success of treatment in such cases often depends on the ability of a homeopath to find the cause. The selection of medicine depends a lot on it. Like all psychological disorders, depressive illness also requires good case study and continuous monitoring by a competent homeopath. One should not try any form of self-medication. In qualified and experienced hands homeopathy offers good prognosis in this condition.

Some of the commonly indicated medicines are anacardium, arsenic-alb, aurum-met, ignatia, acid-phos, pulsatilla, natrum-mur, sepia, antim-crud, naja, nux-vom, stann, psorinum etc. The selection of medicine varies from case to case.

CONVENTIONAL TREATMENT for Depression

Antidepressant drugs, cognitive therapy, and electro convulsive therapy are used.

WHAT ELSE CAN I DO? – ACCESSORY MANAGEMENT

Visit a psychotherapist or join a support group where you can talk about your emotions freely.
Be more open with your family and friends – do not hide your feelings, share them.
Try to remain actively involved in some work/job.
Exercise daily – it not only is good for your body, but also for your mind. Exercise is known to increase the level of many neuro-hormones, which bring a feeling of well-being and happiness.
Eat a well balanced and nutritious diet with ample fluids.
Learn some meditation, yoga, or stress relieving exercises. These help a lot in regaining your control over your emotions.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF MANIA
Sense of well being evident as elation or ecstasy
Confidence and self-esteem are high
Grandiose ideas without any substance.
Thoughtless and risky behavior
Delusion of being especially gifted or of being well-connected.
Thoughts come rapidly
Speech is fast
Physical activity is increased
Appetite is initially increased but may be decreased later.
Sleep hours are reduced, but this does not cause fatigue.
Promiscuity may occur.

HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT Mania
Homeopathy offers many medicines which work in such cases. In experienced hands the long term prognosis is good. Some of the medicines commonly used are belladona, stramonium, varatum-alb, hyoscamus, cuprum-met, nux-vomica, tarentula, syphilinum, lachesis, arsenic, cocaine, coffea, platina etc. There are many more medicines and the selection of medicine varies from case to case. The cause and past history of a person play a significant role in the selection of medicine. All such cases require continuous monitoring by an experienced physician.

CONVENTIONAL TREATMENT for Mania

Neuroleptic drugs like haloperidol or a phenothiazine or lithium carb are some of the drugs that are commonly used.

Electro convulsive therapy is given to resistant cases.

BIPOLAR DISORDER
It is a mood disorder in which depression and manic symptoms occur simultaneously or in quick succession. It was previously known as ‘Manic Depressive Psychosis’. Each phase of mania and depression may lat for many months.

BIPOLAR DISORDER – SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Refer those of depression and mania

HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT for BIPOLAR DISORDER
Homeopathy can help cases with bipolar disorder. Albeit the treatment is more prolonged and difficult than that of unipolar disorder. Most of the medicines used are similar to those used for depression and mania. The treatment usually continues for extended periods as each phase can last for many months. Also there is a tendency of relapse in such patients. But homeopathy does offer a better long term prognosis.

For more check this article for informative links and articles :- http://www.hpathy.com/diseases/mood-symptoms-treatment-cure.asp

For OCD please read this article :- http://www.hpathy.com/diseases/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-symptoms-cure.asp

I hope and pray that the provided information proves helpful for you.

Take care and God Bless you and your loved ones.

Q: are there any over the counter drugs or vitamins for the treatment of bipolar disorder?
are there any over the counter drugs or vitamins for the treatment of bipolar disorder

A: Herbal Treatments in Bipolar Disorder:

Chamomile, St. John’s Wort and Valerian Root are the most common herbs recommended by homeopaths for natural treatment of bipolar disorder.

Other remedies have included SAM-e, Gingko-Biloba and Inositol (part of the Vitamin B-complex family, also a simple carbohydrate.)

from:

http://hubpages.com/hub/homeopathic_treatments_bipolar_disorder

Q: Does anyone know anything about an implant for the treatment of bipolar disorder?

A: No – is it something new thats undergoing medical trials?
The only treatment I know is medication – and that takes such a long-time & trials & errors to find the right one I wouldn’t risk an implant.
I hope its not like a long-lasting contraceptive implant – unlike hormones (which basically are pretty infallible ESPECIALLY when in implant form) bipolar is impossible to form a standardised treatment to cure all.

Q: Does psychotherapy make a difference in treatment of Bipolar Disorder?

A: Yes, psychotherapy, or some form of counseling can be highly beneficial in treating bipolar. Bipolar disorder impacts your emotional and cognitive functioning. Being in therapy can be used to help in accomplishing many goals such as: increasing compliance with taking medication, creating bonds with others who have the same condition, reducing negative behaviors, and learning new coping skills.

Send me a message on Messenger if you want to talk more. I’ve been studying bipolar, self injury, and OCD since 97. Graduated with psych degree in 2003.

Q: alternative treatment for bipolar disorder?
are there any alternative solutions/treatments for bipolar disorder that don’t involve taking anti depressants and mood stabalizers?
don’t worry.. i wouldn’t stop taking my meds without a dr’s supervision… for the person who commented on that.. i went to school for psychology for a while, so i know the ropes a bit.. i do exercise, i do eat right.. i don’t see a therapist.. my M.D prescribes my meds because my insurance doesn’t cover psychiatrists….

A: Ya, stop thinking so much.

Q: How long lithium treatment can continue in bipolar disorder?
What is the duration of lithium treatment?
Is it Lifelong?

A: Bipolar is caused by an actual chemical imbalance in the brain. It doesn’t get better or go away 99% of the time. In general, it gets worse as you get older.

In other words, 99% of the time you’re going to need to continue treatment for the rest of your life if you want to keep your bipolar under control. It’s not like depression, which can get better eventually and not require medication.

There are some cases where a person can manage their bipolar on their own, but it’s rare. People with bipolar are at a higher risk of suicide, because they can go from those extreme manic highs to very depressive lows. So it’s very important they stick with their treatment regimen.

Q: Is there any treatment for bipolar disorder that does not involve psycotropic medications?

A: not that I know of. Ask your doctor.

Q: What are the symptoms and treatment of bipolar disorder?
and can u mix medication with alchol?
thanks

A: There are plenty of treatments available for bipolar disorder and as with any drug it’s advised not to combine medications with alcohol.

There are several mood stabilizers that can be used in bipolar disorder such as Lithium, Depakote, Tegretol, Trileptal, and Lamictal.

For bipolar mania there are several other drugs that can be tried such as Zyprexa, Risperdal, Invega, Seroquel, Geodon, and Abilify.

For bipolar depression one of the courses of action would be to combine a mood stabilizer with an antidepressant, and be watched for signs of mania.

When I get manic I get very agitated and irritable. I yell, scream, holler at almost anybody for no particular reason. I once even yelled at my doctor one time during my manic state. Then I get to the point where I become psychotic and maybe see things climbing on the wall or bugs crawling around on the floor, or I more often mistake something I saw as something else.

Depression in bipolar disorder is similar to depression in non-bipolar people. This can cause a person to see the doctor during a depressive phase and the doctor thinks they have depression and gives a patient an antidepressant and it sets them off into a manic or mixed state. A mixed state is when you have both symptoms of mania and depression concurrently.

Many people with bipolar disorder have to take more than one medication. That’s because each medication they take works in different ways so each medication will treat a different aspect of the person’s bipolar symptoms. I take the antipsychotic Zyprexa Zydis as a mood stabilizer and it helps me very much. I know if I take the Zyprexa Zydis each night it will help prevent the ups and downs I use to have before starting the medication.

There are also life style adjustments that can be done to help with bipolar disorder. One of the main things that can be done is keeping to a regular sleep schedule and a routine to follow though out the day.

Best of luck,
Andy…

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

Q: Bipolar disorder?
I’m writing a book. Anyone have any experience with living with a parent/loved one with bipolar disorder? I’m particularly interested in the mania stage of the disease. The mother in my book has it and rarely, if ever (I’m in planning stages) goes through the depressive stage. Mainly just mania. Any comments/anything I need to know?
I may describe the depressive side, but it isn’t actually required to have the disorder. I do know a little bit of what’s required for diagnosis, but I don’t know what it’s like to be around someone who has the disorder.

A: I dated a woman once who was bi-polar. Every time she went through a depressive stage I would hold her in my arms all night long and tell her everything was going to be ok. She would tell me about why she was sad and I would stay with her until it was over. One time I asked her what was wrong and she told me she didn’t like her toothbrush. That was when I realized that she would never be better, that I couldn’t take all her pain away, that I was helpless with her problems.

Later, I went into healthcare. At one point I got one of my MR residents diagnosed as bi-polar (they incorrectly thought he had obsessive compulsive disorder). When he was manic he would be easily distracted, in the middle of a conversation he would start cleaning his apartment because it was dirty. He would do this for hours at a time even if there were other more pressing things to do. When he finally had a depressive episode he would lie in bed and lack the energy to even get up. The medicine helped but left him feeling like he couldn’t experience emotions (it took the highs & lows away).

I remember a third person who was obsessed with germs, when she was in a manic state she would shower dozens of times a day. She would actually run her books and notebooks through the dishwasher to keep them germ free.

Manic Depressive behaviour often looks a lot like OCD, except in OCD people realize what they are doing is silly – they just don’t feel comfortable not doing it. With bipolar they don’t realize there is anything wrong with thier behaviour.

It can be very difficult to live with someone with Bipolar, and it requires a special kind of love.

Good luck with the book

NOTE: manic / depressive cycles are very long, usually weeks or months… shorter cycles (hours or days) are a different disorder.

Q: Bipolar Disorder?
I saw a web site for Bipolar disorder people to date,In other words, Bipolar disorder dating site.Is this a good idea,2 people with the same diorder.Would like feedback on this.

A: I have been diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder myself, and quite honestly, I think it is a horrible idea for two people with this disorder to date.

I want to be able to have a normal love life, not a relationship that focuses on Bipolar.

Q: bipolar disorder?
My 14 year old brother has bipolar disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, fetal alchol syndrome, and oppositional difiance disorder. He and i were severely abused by my biological mother for many years, and all of the non-genetic disorders are results of the abuse. My biological mother also had many mental disorders, including the bipolar, which she passed on to him. I managed to escape the situtation with only bad memories and bruises. Why does he have so many problems and i have none? I am not saying that i want any of them, just wondering how i managed to not get them.
We have since been adopted and our entire family is in therapy. The therapist says that i have moved past my issues and have “healed”, but because of my brother we are still in therapy.

A: The reason it passed you by is because the universe wants and needs you to be there for your brother. Coming from the background that you did I am so glad that you are both in counseling.

Q: BIPOLAR Disorder?
my husband has Bipolar and Add. I am having a hard time with him latley. He tells me all of our fights are my fault and if I would not be the way I am he would not blow off the handle? (example. yesterday I asked him to show me where the switch was on the ceiling fan and he got mad at me telling me that the blades are wear they should be and that I am an idiot. Because he knows what he is doing) I told him not to yell at me like that in front of my child ever again and he said it was all my fault that he acted that way. Is there something I am doing wrong. Or is this typical bipolar disorder stuff. We are seeing a marriage counsler and she told him if he thinks he needs it he should see his counsler again. Well he does not think he needs it and told me I was the problem not him. How can I save my marriage and keep him going to see his counsler. I do love him a lot. i just dont love the way he has been acting please help me understand!
He is on meds. He was seeking help and it was great then he stopped because the counsler said if he needs him call. Well he does not think he needs it because he knows how to deal with his disorder. But I really dont think he does!

A: My husband is bipolar and he takes depicoat,prozac and welbutrin.What meds is he on and how long has he been diagnosed?If he is on meds on many did they try before setteling with the ones hes on?My husband has a few mood swings here and there but i can always tell by the look on his face when hes in that mood and i just leave him alone.He also cycles 2x a year april and october this is a natural thing for bi polar.He also goes to counsiling 1x a month and your husband needs to go.Do you have any family of his around that can talk to him about it.Dont let this become your fault do not take the blame for his sickness.you need to buy some books and read up on it.It will help you understand better what he is going through.I do not baby my husband i tell him like it is.He can not use his bi-polar as an excuse for anything he does or says.Being mean to you is not exceptable and make it very clear to him what you expect.good luck i will find out from my husband when he gets home what books you should read.

Q: Bipolar DIsorder?
Can Untreated Depression or Major Depressive Disorder turn into Bipolar Disorder and/or psychosis?

A: its not the un-treating it makes it turn into bipolar but more that the manic side of bipolar was just lay dormant waiting for something to trigger it off.
take care good luck

Q: BIPOLAR DISORDER???????????????????
WAT GENES ARE AFFECTED BY BIPOLAR DISORDER?
WAT TYPE OF INHERITANCE IS IT?
WAT TYPE OF MUTATION IS IT?
NORMAL FUNCTIONING OF ALL AFFECTED GENES?

please help me out my teacher wont help me and Google or all encyclopedias don’t explain any of this. Do u know???

A: The reason you can’t get definitive answers, is that there are none. The current research does indicate the possibility of a genetic link, but that is not proven. The statistics shows that it does tend to run in families, but no specific gene has been linked to Bi-Polar disorder. It could be a genetic and environmental causes.

Sorry, but there are no definitive answers to your questions.

Q: BiPolar Disorder?
I’m a 12 year old girl. I think I have BiPolar Disorder.
Ever since i can remember i have had anger issues, occasionally ( like every 6 months) i get very frustrated, angry, or outraged and afterwards i have a complete melt down… Then after about and hour and thirty minutes I’m ok again! (Weird huh?) Well this week it has happened twice! And right now im on top of the world… Bipolar disorder seems to be the only answer…
Example:
Earlier today I was having tons of troubl with my algebra homework. I was cursing, out loud, tearing and stabbinng at my book, pulling my hair out, and plain just beating things ( even my own hand with a pencil…
So my sister offers me help soo i except it because i was SSOO confused. Well she helped but my behaviorgot even worse. So i get introuble with my dad.
Then of course had a melt down… then got better

How can i tell my parents i think i am bipolar and them take me to a doctor?

Do you think im bipolar?

What are the symptoms?

A: What you descried doesn’t seem to indicate bipolar disorder. I do think you should talk to your parents and explain to them that you feel like your behavior is out of your control and that you don’t want to behave this way and that you feel that you need help. Maybe you just need someone to talk to, pinpoint where your anger is coming from. Also they can teach you ways to deal with your anger without letting your emotions get the best of you. Just google bipolar and you can find the symptoms easily.

Q: What happens if bipolar disorder goes untreated for a long time?
Can bipolar disorder form into a more serious mental illness? Also does anyone know why it seems that all the mental disorders involve chemical imbalances, like the dopamine hypothesis, and serotonin and all that. Psychologists always say its Genetics, though it really seems environmental factors play the biggest role. I honestly think that almost all personality, mood, and psychotic disorders are not cause by genetics, but the way people were raised and the kind of life they lead.

A: http://www.emedicinehealth.com/bipolar_disorder/page2_em.htm

If left untreated people can cycle and their moods will escalate and then depression sets in. Genetics are involved, but I also believe enviroment plays a huge role. 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 can someone get drugs for bipolar disorder for free or at a reduced cost?
A friend of mine is unable to pay for a psychiatrist to prescribe drugs for her bipolar disorder. She has been clinically diagnosed and her bipolar disorder is seriously affecting her quality of life and she is unable to function normally. She is having suicidal thoughts and she really needs help. Are there any gov’t agencies that can help her?

A: If you are in America there are usually psychiatric emergency departments at a hospital. They will either give you samples, or a prescription to be filled at that hospital for low cost. It’s usually a long wait to be seen, and the hospitals are usually teaching hospitals – but she will be seen and hopefully helped.

Also, check out local agencies in your area, such as clinics, case management, and behavioral services.

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: How can I treat bipolar disorder without telling my family?
So I’m 17 and, after examining the symptoms and a few long talks with my bipolar friend, I’m almost positive I have the disorder. I really feel like I need to get help, but can’t bring myself to talk to my family. Is there any way I can get treatment without letting them know?

A: If you are really worried about it, you should go to a psychiatrist to make things clear.

Q: What is Bipolar disorder? How is it different from depression/anxiety?
How is Bipolar Disorder different from social anxiety & depression. How do you tell the difference?? What are the different symptoms? How is it diagnosed? Is this disorder treated the same way as anxiety & depression?

A: Hi – Bipolar disorder is different from depression/anxiety in that our mood levels go from very low to very high. it’s called cycling and it can continue for long periods of time, or could disappear in no time and hen leving us change six or seven times in one day.

The low end is the hard part./ I get very depressed and just wantto sit and watch television and let everything else go. One can be completely housebound due to the depression of Bipolar, and then, suddently, in a day or two be out and about, all over town, making new friends, buying things they don’t need, interviewing for jobs they’d love to have, but could never fulflill. A few of us have ended up traveling across the country incognito, then suddenly appearing in the middle of an airport, stark naked.

Just remember, take the smalest dosage of the bipolar meds that you can get by with, learn to role with the ups and dows and find a good doctor. Also, sometimes, it’s difficult to work at a regular job, many of us work at home, or become involved in fine arts, like painting, music, writing, etc. Make the most of it, it could be a lot worse. just learn to undersand bipolar and then begin to anticipate what triggers certain moods.

I do want to add one more imoprtant item and that is the number of completed suicides in bipolar patients is rather high – that’s why it is so important to have a psych and a therapist – one to keep track of your meds and the other to keep aware of how things are going on an everyday level.

good luck,
welcome aboard
good luck,
kathy

Q: Can Bipolar Disorder or Depression be inherited from parents?
As much as I hate so say it, my girlfriend shows symptoms of bipolar disorder, or depression; I really can’t tell the two apart. Her mother has diagnosed bipolar disorder, and so does her grandmother. I was wondering if that kind of thing can be passed down genetically.

A: Yes it definitely can be passed down.

Q: Can bipolar disorder kill your desire to have sex with a woman?
I have had bipolar disorder for five years and now I’m seeing that I don’t have the push to have sex with women. I did for the past few years but over the past year, my drive is down. I am currently 24 years old.

A: the medication you are taking for the Bipolar disorder is probably causing the low sex drive and not the disorder itself