how can i tell if i am bipolar?

Question

my name is Brenda and i am not sure if i am bipolar or if it is depression there are quite a few issues, here goes. Sometimes I just want to sleep and feel exausted for a week or even a month, then all of a sudden i get insomnia and can't sleep for however long usually about a week and a half to 2 weeks. It is the same with food sometimes i am hungry alot and don't mind cooking and dishes and things that go with it but then the next day or week i can't eat, don't even like the smell of food and i don't cook or do many dishes or even clean for that matter. i cry for absolutely nothing at all then i am happy and joking. And it dosen't take much to through me in a rage and i just start saying all these awful things to poeple around me at the time, but i just freak out and don't know how to stop doing that.sometimes i get so hyper that i can't stand myself, my mind goes a mile a minute and i can't keep up, my mind goes from this to that and i feel like im going crazy.

Answer 1

http://www.healthyplace.com/communities/bipolar/mania_test.asp

Here is an online quiz that might help out, When you complete it, you could print it out and when you do schedule an appointment with a doctor, you can show him the paper.

My husband is bi-polar level 1 and takes medication that has really helped him feel better and on a more even keel. The symptoms that you listed are a classic example of Bi-Polar disorder.

Please remember, if you do have this, you are not crazy, just have an illness that IS treatable.

Answer 2

Hi. I am sorry you are going through this. I don't know your age so I don't know if some of your symtoms could be premenstrual tenison, periomenopause or menopause.

Have you been the your regular physician lately? I would recommend a thorough workup, blood, labs etc to see if you are ok. Sometimes epstein barre virus can make you very tired and the virus can reactiviate.

If everything checks out physically, and these symptoms are not hormonal or other diseases, then you should see a psychologist or a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist can order drugs, where a psychologist is better for cognitive therapy.

Also, the holidays can trigger depression in LOTS of people, especially if there are family issues. Good luck.

Answer 3

It does sound a lot like BPD Brenda. But it can also be severe stress with life or even reactive depression.
Don't be afraid. Go and see a doctor you trust and tell him exactly what's been happening.
Be exact in what you say as there are many mental disorders these days that fall into the realm of Bipolar and your doctor needs the best info so as to start you on the best course of action.
I take lithium 4 times daily for Bipolar 1 disorder and it is a Godsend!
Most importantly though, is getting yourself to a doctor a.s.a.p.

My prayers are with you.

Answer 4

That feels like bipolar. 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 5

Go see your dr Brenda... My mother suffers from depression and I had a friend who's father was bipolar (eventually commiting suicide). I have dealt with depression myself but I would strongly suggest you talk to your doctor about everythign that's going on. He/she will ask you some questions and if they feel medication is the right way to go, will give you a prescription, probably, for low dose anti-depressants and raise the strength if you don't feel it's working.

Good luck.

Answer 6

definitely see a psychologist before self-diagnoising yourself. one of the signs for bipolar is the extreme changes in moods, but that's just one of many. the pyschologist can evaluate you and based on the DSM IV, he can provide the proper treatment.

Answer 7

Hi Brenda, My name is Kevin and I do have Bipolar depression. I am including some general test type info and a link to more. No matter what you decide after reading this go see a mental health professional and be evaluated. Or speak with your Dr. and do not let him blow you off as just going through a phase.

Anyway here is some info to begin with.

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

No specific blood tests or x-rays will tell the health care provider that a person definitely has bipolar disorder. The diagnosis is made on the basis of all the signs and symptoms.

If a person experiences at least 4 of the symptoms of mania and depression for a period of at least 2 weeks, that person may have bipolar disorder or another form of mood disorder.


The person may have a long history of feeling depressed and then finally have a first manic episode. This clinches the diagnosis. However, any potentially treatable medical condition that could account for severe mood swings should be ruled out first.

A complete physical examination is performed to check for enlarged glands, poor nerve function, or any other signs of a medical condition.

A detailed interview will focus on the signs of bipolar disorder such as periods of racing thoughts, risky behavior, and inflated self-esteem followed by periods of depression.

For more information:
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/bipolar_disorder/article_em.htm

Peace and know you can be ok if you seek help.
Love Kevin

Answer 8

For starters go to...

http://www.managebipolardisorder.com

http://www.survingbipolar.com/contact_links.htm