How do you know if you just get really pissed off sometimes, or get hysterically happy or if your bi-polar?

Answer 1

I have bipolar disorder (been about 15 years now) and I read the previous answer you got and totally agree. Go to your family doctor, tell them what you've asked here, and he/she can direct you about where to have a psychological assessment for this illness. And take what they tell you seriously, because if you are truly bipolar (there's different types of bipolarism) you will need to have an open mind about treatments. I used to go through periods of denying my illness and refusing medication or counseling only to have it catch up with me and I'd find myself in some real messy situations. At least you're willing to even post this question publically as a beginning; I refused to talk about it or even hear the word for years until I had gone too far and had to face the truth. And in all honesty, it was easier to just stand and face the truth than to keep on running and trying to hide it. Good luck to you.

Answer 2

Biploar disorder is something we concentrate heavily on in psychology mainly because it is something that is not easily diagnosed. Many times bipolar disorder can be incorrectly diagnosed if not tested by professionals.
Basically what makes it difficult to diagnose is that many people experience mood swings on a regular basis. Sometimes internal triggers such as low blood sugar can create changes in moods, or external factors such as a stressful event. Basicallly when these moods alternate between having high energy or irritability (mania) and having low energy or feeling sad (depression) without any apparent cause, then this may be a concern. Some adolescents may briefly return to a normal mood between extremes, while others cycle continuously between mania and depression, sometimes several times in the same day. Sometimes people with bipolar disorder have symptoms of both mania and depression at the same time.

If you may be concerned you may want to talk to your family physician so that they can recommend you to an appropriate professional. When you visit a psychologist or other medical professional, he or she may ask you to answer a few questions or complete written tests that identify the your current mental state and the severity of depression or mania. The doctor may also do physical tests (such as a blood test) to rule out other possible health problems that could be causing symptoms. He or she may ask whether your family has any history of mental illness and drug or alcohol problems. Both conditions can be linked to bipolar disorder.

So in summary, it's better to be safe than sorry and take proactive steps if either you or your parent suspect anything and call your physician for further advice.