how do you know if you bipolar?

Answer 1

Internet or self diagnosis is dangerous, so you need to see a doctor, but first read some background and see if it really fits...

OK, so it's a mood disorder and a serious mental illness. It has a strong genetic component, but appears to be triggered environmentally. There are no diagnostic tests for it, just psychiatric evaluation. Most sufferers are not diagnosed until middle age, and it takes an average of around 8-10 years to get a correct diagnosis. Historically, figures suggested it affects about 0.8% of the population at some point, which makes it about half as common as schizophrenia. In recent years, bipolar disorder has become an 'in' diagnosis, and many more people are being diagnosed at younger and younger ages. As with ADHD, this fad may well pass with time, although for the moment many celebrities appear to be 'popularising' it.

It is characterised by episodes of severe clinical depression and mania or hypomania (for definitions of those, see here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Current_diagnostic_criteria_for_bipolar_disorder ). The extreme end of mania often turns into psychosis, complete with hallucinations and delusions. During manic phases, the person's judgement and perception of reality is severely compromised, leading to risky actions with potentially damaging consequences (financially, sexually and relationship-wise). Untreated, episodes generally worsen over time due to an effect known as kindling. Untreated Bipolar sufferers are at a very high risk of suicide: 20-25% attempt it, and 15% succeed.

The cycles in bipolar disorder are much longer than people generally believe. Anyone whose mood changes from minute to minute is very unlikely to be bipolar. Bipolar 1 is characterised by mood episodes lasting many months, while Bipolar 2 has episodes in the region of weeks to months. Rapid and ultra-rapid cycling bipolar disorder is rare, and cycles last days to weeks.

There are many drugs available to treat the symptoms of bipolar (there is no cure). These are either anti-convulsants or anti-psychotics (personally I take both), and the most well known of these is Lithium. Most patients will go through a number of different drugs before finding one that works for them.

Answer 2

You need to go to the doctor so they can run test. More than likely they're sent you into therapy, it's sometimes a long process but you need to go. I had a friend who is Bipolar, but she's on meds for it. Good Luck!

Answer 3

If you suspect bipolar disorder, go to a qualified medical professional for a diagnosis and proper treatment.

Answer 4

you can go see a PHSCIATRIST FOR ONE theres different symptoms of it go online look it up heres some things
spending money on pointless things you don't even need
fits of rage
depression
sleeplessness
fast talking
theres so many different things you really would need to talk with a doctor

Answer 5

They have checklists and things on websites, but honestly, only a psychiatrist can tell you for sure after analyzation.

Answer 6

You ride an emotional up and down roller coaster. You are irritable sometimes.

Answer 7

manic:
unexplained "high" feeling
talking fast
mind running faster than you can speak
"bouncing off the walls"
can't understand why others aren't so 'up'

depression:
unexplained "lows"
irritable
don't want to do anything

Answer 8

Your doctor runs tests and can tell you.

Answer 9

http://www.isitreallydepression.com/mini_c/isitreallydepression/