Am I bipolar?

Question

My friend's notice that I can be really happy and chirpy but in less than a few seconds I can be snappiing at them. Not only that but I usually just can dislike someone a lot and the next time I see them they are like my best friends. Also, I cant stay mad that long but can't stay happy that long either....each day i go into moods of happiness, depression, and anger. grrrrrrrrrrrrr =]

Answer 1

Bipolar disorder causes dramatic mood swings—from overly "high" and/or irritable to sad and hopeless, and then back again, often with periods of normal mood in between. Severe changes in energy and behavior go along with these changes in mood. The periods of highs and lows are called episodes of mania and depression.
Signs and symptoms of mania (or a manic episode) include:

* Increased energy, activity, and restlessness
* Excessively "high," overly good, euphoric mood
* Extreme irritability
* Racing thoughts and talking very fast, jumping from one idea to another
* Distractibility, can't concentrate well
* Little sleep needed
* Unrealistic beliefs in one's abilities and powers
* Poor judgment
* Spending sprees
* A lasting period of behavior that is different from usual
* Increased sexual drive
* Abuse of drugs, particularly cocaine, alcohol, and sleeping medications
* Provocative, intrusive, or aggressive behavior
* Denial that anything is wrong

A manic episode is diagnosed if elevated mood occurs with three or more of the other symptoms most of the day, nearly every day, for 1 week or longer. If the mood is irritable, four additional symptoms must be present.


Signs and symptoms of depression (or a depressive episode) include:

* Lasting sad, anxious, or empty mood
* Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
* Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
* Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed, including sex
* Decreased energy, a feeling of fatigue or of being "slowed down"
* Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions
* Restlessness or irritability
* Sleeping too much, or can't sleep
* Change in appetite and/or unintended weight loss or gain
* Chronic pain or other persistent bodily symptoms that are not caused by physical illness or injury
* Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts

A depressive episode is diagnosed if five or more of these symptoms last most of the day, nearly every day, for a period of 2 weeks or longer.

When four or more episodes of illness occur within a 12-month period, a person is said to have rapid-cycling bipolar disorder. Some people experience multiple episodes within a single week, or even within a single day. Rapid cycling tends to develop later in the course of illness and is more common among women than among men.

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/bipolar.cfm#bp1

Your best bet is to go to a psychiatrist so that they can help to figure out what is going on with you and put you on medications if you need them/ Good luck!

Answer 2

Hi there, I've been suffering from bipolar for a long time, maybe years, but I only got a diagnosis about a week ago! Nobody else in my family has it, they all have recurrent depression instead. It's a relief to get the diagnosis in a way, because I know that it's the Bipolar causing my mood swings and not just ''me being crazy''. I've been started on a low dose of Zyprexa, I think my psychiatrist intends to add more medication in a couple of week's time. I think at the time he thought I was manic, because when he asked how I would rate my mood I said 'low side of normal' and then his eyebrows raised and he looked shocked and said 'you mean you get a lot higher than this?' and I went 'hell yeah!' and laughed, and that's when he put me on the Zyprexa. I'm a bit depressed at the minute though, and I can't manage to make myself leave the house, get dressed or get something to eat... Anyway, at the moment I'm not functioning well at all, but it's kind of a relief to know there are other bipolar people out there that are coping and living a normal life. I hope that will be me soon too. Maybe once I'm on the right medication. All the best. <3 x

Answer 3

Manic-depressive disorder (aka-bipolar) is far more extreme. Generally you have 2 moods when you are bipolar: mania and depression. These are some symptoms: When you are manic you stay up for days at a time, spend ALL your money on things you don't need, talk really fast and incoherently, run around in public naked...etc. When you are depressed you don't shower or take care of your personal hygiene for days, contemplate or attemp suicide, don't show up for work or school...etc. When you are manic-depressive you can also endanger the lives of others by attacking them. You would not be normal and have a very difficult time functioning in society, although it could be possible.
This disorder is a lot more than just being very happy or very say or having dramatic mood swings quickly. If you are certain you are bipolar you should really see a doctor immediately for the safety or yourself and others.

Answer 4

I was diagnose with manic depression. Manic depression is like having extreme mood swings. one minute your manic. which is extremely happy, energetic,you plan things and rearrange things the sky is blue and yadayada, then you come down and the depression hits, my depression would become severe self mutilation and attempted suicide. And there's different cycles. sometimes multiple times a day, couple times a week, a month, and so on. To me bipolar is kinda of similar, but I'm no doctor. the best thing to do though is go to a doctor and see if u do have a disorder. As much as I hated to admit it then, treatment works. whether it be medication, therapy or both. Of course depending on how old you are it could just be hormones. I guess u just have to decide if its affecting your life and whether or not u want to make a change. Hope this helps.

Answer 5

You really need to see a psychiatrist he/she can best evaluate you. Your regular MD does not know about the brain and depression and other chemical imbalances
Mood swings are a part of depression
I have been bi-polar2 for many years and on medication since 1995. There are a couple of different types of bi-polar. Your mood swings can come and go it is the highs and lows that can last weeks even months
But it may be anxiety disorder which can be helped with medication all of this can.
You can also go to your local mental health and they can help you. They may be able to help with samples of medication

good luck

Answer 6

How old are you ? You could be just going through some hormonal changes if you are a teenager. Also check your diet:make sure you are getting vitamins and minerals and if you are eating a diet high in refined carbs(white sugar , junk food etc.) then that could cause fluctuations in mood. Also I have heard that food allergies can cause mood disorders. Bi -polar peaple usually suffer from crippling depression .

Answer 7

Possibly. With bipolar, the feeling really good can last a few days, as can the real lows. With the moods you have, have you considered going to a counseling center and getting tested for this? Maybe your doctor could refer you to one in your local area. There are proper medications to help with this that could be a big help to you too. Take care.

Answer 8

You're asking the wrong people Fitch.
What you should be doing is talking to a qualified professional. Other wise you are going to get a witches brew of crap to slurp on. If you are bipolar then this is the last thing you will need.
See someone who can tell you honestly what condition your condition is in. It ain't the public Fitch.
I wish you well.

Answer 9

it sounds like a mood disorder.most likely bipolar rapid cycling.
thats where you go through mood changes quickly.talk to a pro i
only have life experience.so a psych doc,not sure how to get one
try your school guidance counselor(if your still in school) not in school look in your phone book for mental health or behavioral
health.

Answer 10

You can't say for sure by just that information. But, I'm going to have to say no. It could just be a phase. Has anything changed in your life? That could be why you are changing emotionally. You aren't bipolar persay.