How do you know if you're Bi-polar??

Question

Watched a documentary on it recently and it seemed to fit some of what happens to me...are there any on-line questionaires or something like that cause i'm too scared to go to the Dr's or even talk about it with my wife. Help please.

Forgot to state. Saw the programme and then the next day was talking mwith my dad and just mentioned the programme. The first thing he said was 'so do you think you have it' and not in a joking way. That's what really got me thinking because i've always thought i've had something wrong with the wiring but that i've mananged to hide it ok....he then went on to talk about my 'dark' periods. This is what really got me thinking...and how mad is it that i'm talking to starngers around the world about this but not my wife!?

Answer 1

Please do not be afraid to go to the doctor. They can help you if you do have the disorder. I am sure your wife is very loving and would want you to talk to her about what you suspect is wrong with you. If you really do have the disorder, your wife has probably noticed things that you might not have noticed, so she could actually help you answer questions that the doctor might have.

The first step to getting the disorder under control is admitting that you have a problem and seeking medical attention. It is so important for you to realize that Bipolar disorder is not your fault, nor is it the result of a 'weak' or unstable personality. Men and women are equally as likely to be affected. It typically begins in adolescence or early adulthood and continues throughout life, although it can sometimes start in early childhood or as late as the 40's or 50's.

Medications can control the manic states. There is no substitute for a qualified health professional for diagnosis and treatment of Depression or Bipolar Disprder.

Bipolar disorder(which is also known as manic depression) is a mental illness involving episodes of serious mania and depression. These can be severe mood swings accompanied by changes in emotions, thoughts, behaviours, physical health and functioning. The mood swings are more extreme and more prolonged than the everyday ups and downs that we all experience. Emotions may vary from from depression and hopelessness through to feeling overly elated('high') or irritable. People usually go through periods of normal mood in between these times.

There are different forms of the illness, so getting properly diagnosed and on the right medication is so important.

*****Bipolar I*****

Not the most common form of the illness
Depression and intense episodes of mania
Often long periods of stability
Can have recurrent episodes of depression with one/two spectacular episodes of mania

*****Bipolar II*****

Recurrent depressions and brief hypomanic episodes
Elations are not as severe and are diagnosed as hypomania
Hard to recognize because hypomania may seem normal if the person is very productive and avoids getting into serious trouble

*****Bipolar III*****

The elations occur secondary to antidepressant medication
Often a family history
Some have manic episodes only(referred to as unipolar manic episodes)

*****Rapid Cycling*****

Four or more episodes in one year
"Out of control", rollercoaster, yo-yo tendencies
In and out of hospital
Difficult to medicate
5-15% of all patients with bipolar disorders
85% are female

Below I will provide some links that might be of help to you until you get the courage up to go to your doctor.

The first link provided is a test for bipolar disorder developed by a team of leading bipolar researchers.
http://www.psycheducation.org/depression/MDQ.htm

The next link is a BSDS (Bipolar Spectrum Diagnostic Scale) test for subtle versions of the disorder.
http://www.psycheducation.org/depression/BSDS.htm

The next link is a mania diagnosis checklist.
http://www.bipolarhome.org/mania-diagnosis-checklist.html

Here are links that give more information about Bipolar Disorder symptoms, understanding it, diagnosis, and treatment.

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/bipolar.cfm

http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/epigen/bpwhatis.htm

http://www.everydayhealth.com/emotional-health/bipolar/index.aspx?xid=gslp&s_kwcid=what%20is%20bipolar|551072144&gclid=CJzA6NOt94kCFSRaSgod9hNCPw

http://www.bipolar-disorder-treatment.com/eflp/0/pid125476/D388524/C0

http://bipolar.about.com/cs/bpbasics/a/0210_whatisbp.htm

http://www.bipolar.com/what_is_bipolar_disorder.html

http://www.medicinenet.com/bipolar_disorder/article.htm

http://www.bipolaraware.co.uk/whatisit.html

http://www.bipolarhome.org/

http://www.mental-health-matters.com/articles/article.php?artID=53

http://mentalhelp.net/poc/center_index.php?id=4

http://www.psychologyinfo.com/depression/bipolar.htm

http://www.klis.com/chandler/pamphlet/bipolar/bipolarpamphlet.htm

http://www.bipolardepressioninfo.com/ms/guides/bipolar_disorder/main.html

I hope these help. Good Luck & God Bless.

Answer 2

I see you have lots of answers Glenn, but if you think about it it is simply described by saying it is extreme highs and extreme lows...manic-depression is another word for it. To try and diagnose you would be wrong and impossible. I know you are upset, but, that should make you want to find out what is really at the base of these "dark" periods. See a qualified psychiatrist for a real diagnosis and some therapy including medication to help you,. You don't have to do this, or go this alone. As for not being able to talk to your wife but can to strangers, sometimes it is easier...we are distant to you...invisible...non-judgemental...detached...but we still can care what is happening in your life to make you so miserable. Please get off the computer and call someone today. Once you have you will find there is some light at the end of that very dark tunnel you have been walking through. My very good luck wishes to you!

Answer 3

First of all, don't freak out and think you have bipolar disorder just because you match some criteria; everyone on earth could match at least some of the criteria for it.
And don't trust those online surveys too well either; most of those are put out by pharmaceutical companies eager to make more sales.
If you have bipolar disorder, the symptoms will probably be so clear cut that there will be no doubt. I know someone who has symptoms of it, and he does things like go on shopping sprees where he spends over $50,000 in one week. Don't be afraid to go to a doctor; even if they do diagnose you, they can't force you into a mental hospital or anything.

Answer 4

You can take short quizzes online to determine if you meet the criteria for bipolar disorder (there are two types of bipolar disorder by the way). But after taking the quiz, if you find that many of the symptoms apply to you, it is time to talk to your health care provider. Bipolar disorder can be treated with medications and with therapy. You would be surprised to know how many people out there are bipolar and lead very normal and well-adjusted lives with medication and help. This is not something to fear - it is a disease and needs medical attention to address it.

Answer 5

there are some web sites with quizzes you can take but really the best way is to go see you doctor for a diagnosis. you could take the quiz with you. go to a reliable site. american association of mental health or something along that line. be careful of being labeled as bipolar....it will follow you around for life and you could have some insurance issues...it is a serious diagnosis. it may seem you identified with some of the things on the documentary but perhaps you have a garden variety depression. regardless, it sounds like you need to have a talk with your doctor and your wife. good luck to you.

Answer 6

The only way you can truly know if you are Bipolar is by getting a diagnosis by a psychiatrist.
Those on-line tests are just a guide to get an idea of your symptoms and moods.

People assume that Bipolar people swing back and forth between mania and depression constinuously. They do not. Episodes last for weeks, maybe months. In fact the criteria to diagnose Bipolar requires that the episodes last a week.

Answer 7

Bi-polar disorder is characterized by depression and mania. during the depressions you may feel extremely upset or even suicidal. These episodes can last for varying amounts of time. Then you swing to the other extreme, mania, during which you may feel invincible or just really really carefree and happy.

If you think you may have Bi-polar disorder, it's really important to see a doctor, because BP affects your daily life and your relationship to others. You can see a doc without talking to your wife.

I thought I had it, but I was diagnosed with clinical depression instead. they got me on meds and I'm doing great now.

Please don't wait to contact a doctor. It doesn't have to be your regular family doctor either, you can ask for somebody else. Your quality of life could be greatly improved by seeking medical evaluation and by having whatever you may be going through diagnosed by a professional.

My dad went undiagnosed with depression for nearly two decades. When he finally got help, it was like I got my Dad back. My Grandmother was untreated Bi-polar and she was miserable much of the time.

Peace to you on your journey.

Answer 8

The fact of the matter is that anyone who watches enough of those programs will start to feel like they have these disorders.
If you feel it's serious enough, you need to see a qualified doctor. Chances are you are just experiencing similar conditions, and can be helped with a lower dosage of an anti-anxiety drug like Lexapro or Zoloft. Only a doctor can tell if you need the big guns pulled on you. Talk about it with your wife, please. She loves you and wants you to be happy.

Answer 9

Bi polar seems to be the latest fad , I think people get worried for no good reason watching these programmes.Most people these days seem to exhibit cranky behaviour.

Answer 10

if when you wake up in the morning you feel down and then after 10 minutes you feel energetic and then again 20 minutes later you start feeling down that means you are bi-polar. I know about that because I am bi-polar. this is just one of the symptoms but there is a lot more...