what are the first signs of some body developing bipolar disease and at what age can you expect this?

Answer 1

New research shows that symptoms of the disorder--characterized by periods of deep depression and excessive euphoria, interspersed with periods of normal behavior--may be evident in children as young as age 10.
Early signs are irritability, increased activity, increased speech for the manic side and for depression low energy, withdrawal and irritability. Also some oppositional defiant disorder (defying rules).

Answer 2

Unlike, let's say the flu, there aren't any signs that all of a sudden show up to announce "Hi, I'm Bi-polar, I'm on my way!"

And age, varies. Some people have a more mild form and focus on the depression (this is one reason it is so often mis-diagnosed for so long). When people are depressed, that is usually when they seek help. It is rare that people in this state can recall the 'high' times. And with the milder form, those high times could simply be times of higher productivity, creativity and socialization. When people are manic in the mild form, they don't think anything is wrong and rarely seek help at this point. Only when they become a danger to themselves or others does a manic patient end up infront of a doctor.

Many times, it takes the observation of family, friends and co-workers to make the point of the highs and lows. These periods can vary greatly and the transition between them can be fast a furious. In some cases, people can experience a high and a low at the same time or cycle rapidly between the two during the same day or week.

Tell tale signs of the highs -
rapid speech (almost to a point that those around you can't get a word in or find it hard to follow or understand you)
racing thoughts (a million and one ideas never stopping)
hyper sexual (promiscuous, multiple partners, higher demands on partner / spouse)
shopping (beyond your means, buying things you don't need, spending money you don't have)
heightened creativity
insomnia with no loss of energy
inability to sit still (cleaning the cob webs out of the attic)
thoughts of invincibility (superman)
paranoia, or thoughts of people being against you
dangerous behavior (driving fast, drinking)

If you or someone you know may be suffering from bi-polar, step one would be to find a psychiatrist and a therapist. Step two (which would be good to take to the appointment) is a daily journal. In the journal track everything:
wake up time and if you feel tired or not
food intake
feelings during the day (smiley faces work well, or 1-10)
events that may impact feelings and how they did
any medications that are being taken
any alcohol consumption
activities (shopping, working out, etc.)
bed time
hours asleep and hours in bed (hypersomnia, insomnia)

The good news, most bi-polar can be managed with medication. It may take time and different combinations, so make sure to keep an open dialog with your Dr. The bad news, if it is bi-polar, yes, you will most likely have to medically manage (either with meds or therapy or a combination of both) your symptoms for the rest of your life. It's not too bad, you learn to live with it. Also, the 'cocktail' that works today may not be the right cocktail in 5 years, so always communicate with your Dr.

Answer 3

The signs are different for people. Some Bipolar people present with depression while some present with mania.

In general, most people are diagnosed between 18-24.
Classic Bipolar 1 usually presents as mania, whereas Bipolar 2 presents as depression.

Answer 4

I would do a yahoo search for that, see what comes up, just put in "bipolar disorder symptoms" -- I find answers to everything that way.

Answer 5

By BiPolar disease, I assume you mean BiPolar Disorder? If so, please feel free to email me with more specifics. I have two sibling with BiPolar Disorder, and have alot of knowledge about it. [e-mail]

Answer 6

i actualy knew sumbodi with this disorder. the thing is you get depressed really easy and when you are u stay depressed for a while. in some cases it does this when your happpy. it's like your chipper about evrything. like you could get a call sayin your mother died and you start singin to the bird and animals. lol j/k