What are symptoms of bipolar? I think someone I know has it..?

Question

The person I suspect of being bipolar has the following symptoms:

He has insomnia and can't sleep until about 3am
He abuses rx painkillers, weed and alcohol 'to calm down'
Sometimes he spends money like water even though he doesn't haev it and other times he cries his eyes out at the thought of having to spend $1

Sometimes he is so withdrawn that he won't even pick up the phone

He will spend money lavishly and then blame his credit card bill on someone else

He thinks suicide is a good idea and has been hospitalized for suicidal ideation before and thinks all of this is normal

He can be upbeat for about 6 weeks but then he'll suddenly say that life feels like a living hell and he will be depressed and depressing to be around for several months

He says that he is not mentally ill but that he was is far more advanced than everyone else and nobody can understand him

Answer 1

Yes, it definitely sounds like he has bipolar. The states of exteme happiness are called being manic--manic is a period of time where the person is extremely upbeat, making big plans and setting goals but has no intent of completing them; the person will spend loads of money that he doesn't have, and not worry about it, until the manic stage ends. After the manic phase is over, the person mopes around, is very depressed, and is the complete opposite as they were only the day before. Most of the time bipolar is treated with medications called SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors), which are antidepressants--Zoloft, Prozac, etc. Try and talk to him and see if you can get him to a psychiatrist for an immediate evaluation--it will make his life, and everyone else's, alot easier to deal with. Hope this helps :)

Answer 2

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. These drugs are heavy duty psychiatric medications and are not to be taken lightly, and most if not all of them have a range of side effects including lethargy, photosensitivity, cognitive impairment (dumb as a box of rocks), weight gain, hormone problems, hair loss and blood problems. These side effects have to be weighed against the benefits of mood stabilisation. Most patients will go through a number of different drugs before finding one that works for them.

Answer 3

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 4

I'TS NOT FUN! GET FRIEND SOME HELP

No longer in the dark
Bipolar disorder, often misunderstood, is a mental illness characterized by wide mood swings, from high (manic) to low (depressed). Get the latest information about diagnosing and treating this disorder, and find support on the Message Boards.


Bipolar disorder and mood swings


How to recognise patients with bipolar disorder? These patients experience dramatic mood swings, ranging from being extremely 'high', to feeling very depressed, sad and hopeless. They then move back again to the 'high' state, often with some periods of normal mood in between. Besides these mood changes, there are also severe changes in energy and behaviour.


The periods of highs and lows are called episodes of mania and depression, which have very different and recognisable symptoms:


Symptoms of mania


Signs and symptoms of mania and/or a manic episode can include:



An increased level of energy and activity, often restlessness
Excessively 'high', overly good and euphoric mood
Extreme irritability
'Racing' thoughts, talking very fast, moving from one idea to the other
Difficulties in concentrating, easily distracted
Reduced need for sleep
Unrealistic beliefs in own abilities and powers
Poor judgement
Periods of spending large amounts of money
Increased sexual drive
Abuse of drugs, particularly cocaine, alcohol and sleeping medications
Provocative, intrusive or aggressive behaviour
Patients deny that something is wrong

Answer 5

It might be Bipolar Disorder or it might just be a response to drug use. If his mood changes don't seem to make sense (gets depressed when things are going well or manic when everything goes wrong) that could be a sign. Also, when Bipolar people take antidepressants, it can make the problem worse. Using drugs to calm down will end up doing just the opposite.

Answer 6

I know of someone with bipolar symptoms are familiar. They don't spend money lavishly though. But mood swings either crying or in a good mood (suddenly) Blames others for their faults. Your friend may also be manic depressive.

Answer 7

Depression:
Feeling sad or blue, or “down in the dumps”
Loss of interest in things the person 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

Mania:
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

Answer 8

first off hun, Im bipolar 2, (means sever manic depression).

Yes, this sound just like me, all except the pot. But I too have bouts of not being able to sleep, there are times I go about 48-hours of more if I cant sleep. One min Im happy, the next Im screaming, or throwing things at the ones I love. I too would spend days just wanting to be left alone.

Since he thinks sucide is normal, IT"S NOT!!!!! I too have not only tried since I was 12, Im now 33- thats how long i have suffered from manic depression! Its so hard, & realize its not like a light bulb, you cant just shut it on or off whenever you like. If it was that easy, we would trust me!

Also look for signs of how often he does or doesnt sleep, look for signs of cutting. Look how often his mood swings happens.

Now, let me tell you HE HAS TO SEE SOMEONE NOW! If money is an issue, look in your community if they have a local county mental health clinic, they only charge what your income is, sometimes its only a $1.00, or nothing. And they could perscribe something, & sometimes they give samples to them. He may need to be on a variety of meds. I myself am on 4 different meds right now.

Just makes sure he knows he has family & friends love him, & support him & most of all that YOUR ALL THERE FOR HIM.
They NEED to know & feel this!! its so important to them.

I can understand theres times you may not want to be with him, but let him know you need your space, but also in the same sentence I AM STILL here for you, & yes I will continue to support you.

Also dont be an inabler, but let him KNOW, BOTH acohol, & pot are 2 depressants too, it only henders him. It dosnt help him, it only masks over his problem, the last thing he NEEDS is acohol, or pot. That too he may need help with too.

Come to think of it, he may need rehab just to get off the pot, & acohol, & then see how he feels after that, if he still feels the same, he needs to go get help.

Answer 9

This is a very complicated disorder. My friend's son has this and takes medicine and consults a professional to help him. Some of the symptoms are:
Bipolar Disorder Symptoms
Mania and depression are the opposing phases in bipolar disorder.

Mania: A person in the manic phase may feel indestructible, full of energy, and ready for anything. Other times that person may be irritable and ready to argue with anyone who tries to get in the way.

Unrealistic plans, spending sprees, an increase in sexual affairs, or other reckless behavior, such as wild driving, also may occur.

Less sleep and food than usual are needed.

The person with mania can stay up all night but may find that not much was accomplished because he or she was easily distracted.

The person with bipolar disorder may talk very quickly and jump from subject to subject. They often exhibit pressured speech during mania.

Self-esteem may be inflated.

Any decisions that are made with regard to business and finances are often not good ones.

Clothing choices may also change, and the person with bipolar disorder may start wearing brighter, more flamboyant clothes.

These behaviors, which can be quite upsetting, usually prompt a family member to take notice and try to get the person help.

Most people who are going through the manic phase of bipolar disorder deny that anything is wrong with them and refuse to see a medical professional.

They are grandiose and may have delusions (false ideas) of grandeur (greatness).

Depression: Although mania is said to alternate with depression, most people have more depressive episodes than manic ones.

Sadness and crying spells are common.

People who are depressed may not care enough to wash or comb their hair, change clothes, or even get out of bed in the morning.

These people may sleep too much (hypersomnolence) or have difficulty getting to sleep (insomnia).

Many of these people have no interest in food or have no appetite and lose weight. However, some eat excessively.

People with depression have trouble thinking; they may forget to do important things such as paying bills because they feel so down.

They withdraw from friends.

Hobbies that used to bring pleasure suddenly hold no interest for people who are depressed.

Depression brings feelings of hopelessness and helplessness.

People who are depressed may not see a point in living anymore and may actually think about ways to kill themselves.

Some people with bipolar disorder cycle between the 2 extremes every few months or weeks. Other people with bipolar disorder may cycle several times within the same day.

Signs of mania

Increased activity and gestures (pacing, tapping feet)

Inflated self-esteem

Poor judgment

Racing thoughts

Decreased need for sleep

Poor temper control

Irritability

Pressured speech: The person speaks very fast, as if his or her mouth can't keep up with the rapid thoughts. The person may be unable to respond to social cues to stop talking.

Increased activities with high risk of painful consequences (sexual affairs, gambling, risky investments)

Psychotic symptoms

Delusions (false beliefs)

Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't real)

Signs of depression

Excessive worry

Excessive guilt

Sadness, crying spells

Loss of energy

Change in sleep pattern (insomnia at night, daytime sleepiness)

Major changes in appetite or weight

Feelings of worthlessness

Trouble concentrating

Social withdrawal

Lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities

Thoughts of death or suicide

This website will help you explain a little more in detail: http://www.emedicinehealth.com/bipolar_disorder/page3_em.htm
I hope this helps.

Answer 10

Complete emotional imbalance. Going from Depression to Mania in a moment. Having no control over feelings and instant over-reaction to most situations.

Your friend is proably suffering from the alcohol and drugs he's doing. The mixture you mentioned can cause variable reaction in the mind and body.

Some might say he's mentally ill. I say he's being irresponsible and self-destructive. He has to make a choice to heal himself and deal with life. If I were you and cared alot about him, I would find a Celebrate Recovery in the area and invite him to go with you.