what are sighns of being bipolar?

Answer 1

Extreme mood swings from high (manic) to low (depressive). Adults tend to over work, over shop, over party etc.. when manic and shut down when depressed. Kids tend to go into violent rages when manic and have meltdowns when depressed.

There also tends to be a family history of mental illness. Many go undiagnosed and self medicate so they even look for alcoholism, drug abuse etc...

Answer 2

If you are depressed but can remember the last time you felt really good (you are probably more likely to be bipolar). Why? because people who are depressed don't have "manic" episodes. During these manic episodes, people tent to have a lot of energy, spend a lot of money, become hyper-sexual...etc. Bipolar effects people differently. Some people will have what is called "rapid-cycling" where they are depressed and manic at the same time. This is a very dangerous state because you are depressed but have the energy to actually commit suicide... people with bipolar are much more likely to commit suicide so it is important that they get treated as soon as possible.
There are many drug options out there, zyprexa, seroquel, risperdall... to stabilize the mania and depression. Zyprexa is great because it works fast but there could be weight gain from any of these drugs...it is important to weight the risk/ benefit. Most people with bipolar disorder are misdiagnosed for 10 or more years because they usually only present with depression to their doctor.
Also bipolar tends to show up in the mid twenties. ADHD has similar symptoms but that shows up around age 7. Both ADHD and bipolar are on the same gene so it is advisable to check into both if you are unsure.
There are organizations like NAMI that can really help also.
I hope that helps.

Answer 3

Everybody has mood changes, but not everyone has the drastic mood swings that are characteristic of bipolar disorder. The high mood of bipolar disorder is called mania, or a manic episode. The low mood of bipolar disorder is called depression, or a depressive episode.

Bipolar disorder can severely disrupt normal activities, such as work, school, and relationships. People in the depressive phase of bipolar disorder may feel so low that they can’t even get out of bed in the morning. In the manic phase, people feel highly energized and may go on spending sprees, sleep little, overindulge in drugs or alcohol, or engage in risky sexual activities. Following are the signs and symptoms that distinguish bipolar disorder.

Answer 4

Signs and symptoms of a manic episode of bipolar disorder

* happy, expansive, optimistic mood (feeling “high,” feeling better than ever)
* alternative mood: irritable, angry, aggressive, provocative, intrusive
* impaired judgment; reckless; unpredictable
* excessive involvement in pleasurable or high risk activities, such as sex, drug or alcohol use, or spending sprees
* high physical and mental energy; increased productivity; excited; a feeling of high intelligence and creativity
* extremely talkative, rapid thoughts
* decreased need for sleep, less ability to sleep
* inflated self-importance; in some, delusions or hallucinations
* extremely sociable
* inability to concentrate; distracted; restless, impulsive
* no perception that the mood and behaviors are abnormal

A person in the manic phase of bipolar disorder rarely seeks help; the person may feel good and not recognize that anything is wrong.


Signs and symptoms of a depressive episode of bipolar disorder

* profound sadness, hopelessness, pessimism; crying spells
* low self-esteem, worthlessness
* “flat” mood: apathetic, indifferent; lack of interest or pleasure in most activities
* fatigue, lethargy: decreased energy and activity; difficulty getting out of bed in the morning
* decreased sexuality
* restless, irritable, angry, worried, anxious, guilty
* fewer thoughts and less talking; slower thinking and talking
* difficulty in concentrating, making decisions, and remembering
* social withdrawal; diminished ability to give and feel love
* drug or alcohol use
* change in appetite; weight gain or loss; loss of interest in food, even if eating more
* change in sleep patterns: sleeping more or less than usual
* suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempts; life seems devoid of pleasure

People are more likely to seek help during the depressive phase of bipolar disorder than during the manic phase. This is because they recognize that the symptoms are disruptive to normal life. But some do not even seek help during the depression because they have no energy and no hope that anything can change.