What is this bipolar disorder? How common is it? And how do you know if someone has it?

Answer 1

You have received some good answers thus far, so I'm not going to repeat it. Bipolar is more than just mood swings. Not every woman with PMS has Bipolar. They are extreme mood swings and the mania or depression is so bad that it may affect every day functioning (daily activities, relationships, work).

It is not as prevalent as some think and its highly overdiagnosed. The APA (American Psychiatric Association) which publishes the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) estimates that only 2% of the entire population actually has Bipolar.

Answer 2

Bipolar disorder is a psychiatric condition characterized by extreme mood changes. One minute you're on top of the world! Everything is wonderful, and you are happy, excited, and energized, almost to the point of being hyper. You'll do wierd stuff like calling your friends in the middle of the night and asking how their day was. On the opposite end of the pole, you'll experience deep depression, feelings of worthlessness, anger, frustration and thoughts of suicide. If you, or someone you know has experienced these feelings on a regular basis, get help immediately. There are many medications that will encourage more stability. Sadly, suicide can be the result of bipolar disorder when it's in the latter stages. It is fairly common. Knowing the difference between bipolar and ordinary mood swings is important. When you're happy or sad under normal circumstances, there's generally a reason for your feelings; you've just won the lottery, or you're looking forward to college, a trip or a new job you've been yearning for. Or you're sad because your beloved pet has died, or you flunked your exams, or you've broken up with your significant other. But bipolar is different -- usually there is no specific reason for the mood swings -- they just happen. That's the difference.

Answer 3

Bipolar and manic depression is two diffent things similar yes but two different thing. Bipolar is when a person has mood changes frequently, rapid thoughts, sucidal, homicidal, emotional ups and down along with there moods. there are 3 kinds of Bipolar you can look into. It is fairly common anymore some kinds more than other it is the degree of it.

You know if someone has it by there mood. That is usually the first sign. It will go up and down alot. Get mad over dumb things that no one can understand maybe. yell for no reason. The best way is to get them to a doctor to get him or her checked out.

Answer 4

Being bipolar is one of the hardest disorders to diagnose. From severe depression to manic. You never know. People with bipolar disorder can make plans for weeks ahead and then kill themselves the next day. They take risks in life, not good risks. Risks in sexual encounters. They have little remorse about these choices. They can be up, up, up, everything is wonderful, and in the same conversation be so down you will think they will never pull through. If you know someone that you think might be bipolar. Make sure they seek help. Get them to a doctor and hopefully they can be diagnosed correctly. Good luck.

Answer 5

Bipolar Disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a serious medical illness that causes shifts in a person's mood, energy, and ability to function. Different from the normal ups and downs that everyone goes through, the symptoms of bipolar disorder are severe.

Bipolar disorder causes dramatic mood swings—from overly "high" and/or irritable to sad and hopeless, and then back again, often with periods of normal mood in between. Severe changes in energy and behavior go along with these changes in mood. The periods of highs and lows are called episodes of mania and depression.
Signs and symptoms of mania (or a manic episode) include:

* Increased energy, activity, and restlessness
* Excessively "high," overly good, euphoric mood
* Extreme irritability
* Racing thoughts and talking very fast, jumping from one idea to another
* Distractibility, can't concentrate well
* Little sleep needed
* Unrealistic beliefs in one's abilities and powers
* Poor judgment
* Spending sprees
* A lasting period of behavior that is different from usual
* Increased sexual drive
* Abuse of drugs, particularly cocaine, alcohol, and sleeping medications
* Provocative, intrusive, or aggressive behavior
* Denial that anything is wrong

A manic episode is diagnosed if elevated mood occurs with three or more of the other symptoms most of the day, nearly every day, for 1 week or longer. If the mood is irritable, four additional symptoms must be present.

Answer 6

sudden mood swings, either one is very, VERY happy and/or then very, VERY sad (possibly crying). I have found that it is quite common and 2 out of 5 people have it. Yes, I work at a community college and have contact with persons who are bipolar. I do know that when one is on their meds, they maintain and you wouldn't know that they are. However, when one does not - Ohhhhh baby.... life can be interesting and sometimes rough. I do realize that when one does not take their meds they do not know they are acting differently, and people treat them like they are crazy. I do ask that everyone keep an open mind and think positive thoughts and become educated in what they don't understand. I thank you for asking and not condemning those persons who have bipolar disorder. :)

Answer 7

If you have bipolar disorder, you may recognize many of the symptoms below. Not everyone has exactly the same symptoms. Talk with your healthcare provider about your symptoms at each visit.

Symptoms of depression may include:
Feeling sad or blue, or "down in the dumps"
Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy, including sex
Feeling worthless, hopeless, or guilty
Sleeping too little or too much
Changes in weight or appetite
Feeling tired or having little or no energy
Feeling restless
Problems concentrating or making decisions
Thoughts of death or suicide
Symptoms of mania may include:
Increased energy level
Less need for sleep
Racing thoughts or mind jumps around
Easily distracted
More talkative than usual or feeling pressure to keep talking
More self-confident than usual
Focused on getting things done, but often completing little
Risky or unusual activities to the extreme, even if it's likely bad things will happen
Here are some behaviors that may be seen in people with bipolar disorder. Please note some of these behaviors may also indicate a different problem, so proper diagnosis is important.
Agitation
Alcohol or drug abuse
Irritability
Excessive gambling
Violence
Poor judgment with decisions
Careless spending, buying sprees
Talking about hurting oneself
Risky sex or change in sexual activity
Impulsive financial investments
More arguments
Change in energy level, appetite, or sleep pattern
Relationship problems at home or work
Mounting debt
Legal/criminal issues

Answer 8

Common. Used to be called Manic Depressive Disorder. Can be mild or severe. Diagnosed by a Doctor and treated with drugs.
Symptoms are both high happy and low sad moods.

Answer 9

It used to be called manic depressive. One day you are loving the world and then next day your hate it. It is a chemical imbalance in the brain.

I read that people that are bipolar don't take their med's when they should and by the time they are on the down swing it is to late for the med's to be of any use.

I dated a girl for awhile with it. It wasn't easy .

Answer 10

Bipolar disorder is also referred to as Manic Depression.
You need a psychiatrist to properly evaluate the person to get the correct diagnosis.

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/bipolar.cfm

http://www.psycom.net/depression.central.bipolar.html