What are some other symptoms of bipolar disorder?

Question

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!

Answer 1

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.

Answer 2

When I'm manic, I always think that I can do anything and that I am charming and fun to be around. My friends love telling me stories about the times that I have been a bit much. When I am on the way up, I get things done and am very productive but when I am truly manic, I only think that I get things done. I have poems, books and the remnants of many other projects that I have started. I have spent thousands of dollars on these interests but when I come down, I could care less about what I have done. The worst thing (and the best) that I have ever bought when manic was a car....................paid for by a check for the full amount. Not just any car, it was a BMW. Well, needless to say, I no longer have it (since I couldn't afford it) and I have learned to have family and friends to watch over me when I am manic so that I do not lose everything that I have.

What I am saying is that you are making perfect sense. You are behaving just like someone that has Bipolar I.

When you are well, make sure to enlist others to help you when you are not at your best. Stay on a schedule and above all, take your medications as prescribed and do not stop them even if you begin to feel well.

BabyGirl and M&M are right on!

Answer 3

I wish some people wouldnt comment on what they clearly dont understand. Bi-polar 2 has delusions atgtached to it which can include hallucinations but more like exaggerated self belief. I have a close friend and he can be anything from the boss of ICI, the second coming or the king of Scotland. He always returns to normal eventually. Obnoxoiusness is common unfortunately at the beginning of his manic phase and he has an added problem in that hes 6 foot 4 and quite intimidating. When hes back what a nice guy. If I were you I would entrust myself to a good friend and let them grass me up when im going manic (assuing you need constant care when you are ill). For some reason nearly all manics that ive heared about hate taking their meds. For gods sake try and take them and uour life will be much less stressful. Bi-polar 2 has no delusions and is more like irritability with disturbed sleep patterns, however stress makes both worse......My girlfriend has it and was recently sectioned when her divorce came to a head. Theres a lot more to both and try not to think about yourself as a diagnostic label. He also paces up and down for hours when manic (bi-polar 2). Even though he looks unwell I can tell hes feeling good because its the only time he chat to girls. You must avoid all stress it will bring it on

Answer 4

I am also a bipolar type1. Diagnosed in 2001. My symptoms are very similar to BABYGIRL'S. When I am manic I feel very creative. I begin many projects and never complete anything. I am very excited and feel that i can accomplish everything when I start but my concentration is for the birds. I talk a lot and fast. I jump from one subject to another. I also get very hyper-sexual. I can't get enough.
I have always had much trouble sleeping, that is my biggest downfall because after awhile with no sleep the brain plays lots of tricks.
My downs are worse and I have spent more time being down than up. It took almost 4 years to get my meds right. That is not an unusual number. A big problem for bipolar people is that when they feel better they think they don't need medication or are just so sick of all the side effects they stop taking meds. This is VERY harmful as the symptoms come back stronger than ever and its very easy to spin out of control. I repeat, STAY ON YOUR MEDS! Also, if your symptoms are bad, its also very important to stay consistent. It will help tremendously if you keep the same schedule (waking, sleeping, eating, working) every single day, especially at the beginning of taking meds because this does not confuse the brain. The idea is to remain stable. It takes awhile for medication's side effects not to bother you, so please keep taking whatever medication you are currently trying and don't give up. It does get better. I promise.
Be good to yourself. There are support groups, books and the like, but beware of immersing yourself in this disease. Its easy for bipolars to jump in full force and want as much info as possible as that's what we are wired to do. But it can take control of your life. The goal is to have a BALANCED life, not just an educated one.
That is all my personal experience. Good luck to you & God bless.

Answer 5

When I'm manic I feel so much better than good. I wear myself out working around the house and then realize, I haven't finished anything.In the past I have been violent, breaking everything in the house up. I am very irritable or, I find everything funny. My concentration may become poor. When I'm depressed, I lose interest in things I normally enjoy. I will go all day and not flush the toliet. I may lay around in my pajamas and do nothing. I could care less if the sun never shined again. In the depressed state with my medications I sleep very well. In the manic state with the same medications, I sleep very little. Thank God there are times in between that I feel completely normal.

Answer 6

There are 3 classifications of bipolar disorders and many differentials too. Bipolar type I: manic or mixed episode w/ or w/o a depressive episode Bipolar type II: hypomanic episode w/ a depressive episode Cyclothymic: 4 episodes of rapidly alternating hypothymia & dysthymia Manic episodes consist of 4 sx from below lasting for at least 1 week: increased energy, pressured speech (overly talking), lack of sleep, hypersexuality, spending money w/o thinking of consequences, flight of ideas, grandiosity (thinking your the best), increase goal oriented activities w/o completing them Hypomanic episode is the same but only lasting 4 days. Mixed episodes: mainly patients are agited (mix between depression & mania) Usually onset is in 20s...if you think you have bipolar it is good to go to the hospital to get it checked out b/c it can be very dangerous to you and others.

Answer 7

Actually you desribed my life growing up. If something really saisfies you, you will stay with it. I experienced the flow a lot growing up. Top psychologists in Positve Psychology suggests focusing on being happier than focusing on mental problem.

Isn't it depressing to think that you are a type 1 bipolar instead of a person looking to be happier just like everyone else??? This page has info that can help you to help yourself plus at bottom has page that tells what foods can help and hurt bipolar. Also link to expert advice on this.

Answer 8

I'd get a second opinion , sounds more like adult attention deficit disorder,,you get all involved with several diff projects but get nothing accomplished, which leaves you feeling hopeless. Do a search on this , and decide which fits you best , then get a 2nd opinion . GL

Answer 9

I found some good info here.

Answer 10

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

Most people who have bipolar disorder experience highs and lows – the highs are what is referred to as Mania, the lows are what is referred to as Depression. These swings range from tons of energy to deep despair (even suicidal thoughts). The severity (and frequency) of the mood swings and their life disrupting abilities are the difference between bipolar disorder and ordinary mood swings that occur in almost everyone.

Mania Symptoms (when one is experiencing these they are said to be "Manic")


Increase in energy

Heightened mood (excessive happiness, perkiness, humor)

High degree of optimism and self-confidence

Excessive irritability and aggressive behavior

Decreased need for sleep without experiencing fatigue

Grandiose delusions, inflated sense of self-importance

Racing speech and thoughts

Impulsive behavior

Lowered inhibitions (yep, just like when a mentally healthy person is drunk)

Poor judgment

Distractibility

Poor concentration (which greatly effects cognitive abilities)

Reckless and/or inappropriate behavior

Delusions and hallucinations (Thinking, seeing, and hearing things that don't exist or are not true. This is also known as psychosis)

Nervousness, anxiety, or panic

Hypersexuality

Please note that these symptoms can occur singly or in any combination. For instance a manic individual can be irritable with racing speech and thoughts but not experiencing psychosis.

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Depressive Symptoms (When one is experiencing these they are said to be "Depressed". Go figure, huh?)

Inexplicable sadness or crying spells

Changes in appetite (Either lack of or excess of which is linked to sudden weight loss or weight gain)

Disturbed sleep patterns (Either too little or no sleep known as Insomnia. Or too much sleep known as Hypersomnia)

Irritability and anger

Excessive worry

Nervousess, agitation, and anxiety

Pessimism, indifference, and apathy

Loss of energy, persistent lethargy (Usually accompanied by inexplicable and unrelenting fatigue)

Feelings of guilt and worthlessness (over just about everything)

Lack of concentration and indecisiveness

Inability to enjoy former interests and hobbies

Social withdrawal

Unexplained aches and pains (and I believe "excessive illness" should be added here. It seems like I catch colds and infections like crazy and recover very slowly.)

Recurring thoughts of death or suicide (be worried when suicidal ideations or plans are present, this is a very dangerous time)

Please note that these symptoms can occur singly or in any combination. For instance a depressed individual can be socially withdrawn, apathetic, and hypersomatic but not irritable.
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Types of Bipolar Disorder

Patterns and severity of symptoms, or episodes, of mania and depression, determine different types of bipolar disorder (supposedly, this is not an exact science so one has to wonder). There are several schools of thought on these Bipolar categories. This is just one set of definitions according the Depression Bipolar Support Alliance(DBSA). The DBSA presents three variations of bipolar disorder, I have seen others present as many as four or five variations. And each person with Bipolar disorder usually has a different opinion as well. So consider this a rough guide bounded by very blurry lines.

Bipolar I disorder is exhibited as one or more manic episodes or mixed episodes (symptoms of both mania and depression occurring simultaneously every day for 1 week or more) and one or more major depressive episodes. Bipolar I disorder may be the most severe form of the illness because it is marked by extreme manic episodes (which typically include psychosis).

Bipolar II disorder is exhibited as one or more depressive episodes accompanied by at least one hypomanic episode. Hypomania has symptoms similar to manic episodes but are less severe because they are not typically marked by psychosis (this is a blurry line, some do experience psychosis). For some, hypomanic episodes are not severe enough to cause notable problems their daily functioning (they are SOOOO lucky!) but that is not true for everyone. Hypomania can be plenty disruptive and destructive.

Bipolar II disorder may be misdiagnosed as depression (and often is). This is due to patients (and their doctors) not noticing the signs of hypomania or patients only seeking medical treatment when they are depressed. This is why it is important to tell your doctor EVERYTHING you experience that is out of the norm.

Cyclothymic disorder is exhibited by frequently fluctuating episodes of hypomania and depression. These episodes are generally short (i.e. lasting days, hours, minutes), and do not occur with the regularity or predictability of bipolar II or I. Cyclothymia is also known as "rapid cycling". I personally believe cyclothymia is another blurry line because some believe cyclothymia to be a part of bipolar I or II and others believe it stands on its own. In any case, it can be a royal pain and deserves attention.


Below is the webmd page on bipolar disorder and its symptoms as well as many links to related articles. (mods don't forget you said I could put a link)

http://my.webmd.com/content/article/60/67149.htm




It may also be important to note that bipolar disorder has many symptoms similar to borderline personality disorder. It is also common for bipolar disorder to occur along with other disorders such as panic disorder, anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, attention deficit disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, borderline personality disorder, and schizophrenia to name a few