2007-02-06 09:26:25 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Mental Health
Most people are diagnosed in some form or another by a psychiatrist.
A psychiatrist typically uses diagnostic criteria from their "bible" which is called the DSM-4 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition).
Here are the diagnostic criteria for bipolar disorder from the DSM-IV:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Current_diagnostic_criteria_for_bipolar_disorder
2007-02-06 09:33:10 · answer #1 · answered by Evan 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
What Are the Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder?
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.
2007-02-06 18:34:59 · answer #2 · answered by Golden Ivy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Bipolar Mood Disorder, or Manic Depressive Illness, is a mood disorder characterized by highs (mania) and lows (depression). People suffering from this usually will have mood swings that take them from feeling sad, mentally slowed, and all of the other symptoms associated with depression (loss of interest in activities/sex, social withdrawal, fatigue, wanting to sleep most of the time instead of participating in normal daily activities) to being manic. Mania is a feeling of happiness. It can be just feeling generally happy all the way to feeling extreme joy and ecstasy for no apparent reason. A person in a manic mood may experience increased self esteem, feeling that he or she doesn't need to sleep, over-activity, and possibly even hallucinations. The severity of symptoms vary widely from person to person as does the duration. Some people will be depressed for weeks then have a few days of manic behavior while some people will switch between these moods much more quickly. If you believe that you do have mood swings such as this, you should consult a doctor or medical specialist who specializes in mental health for evaluation and treatment.
2007-02-06 17:43:24 · answer #3 · answered by Heather-Nicolle 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Bi polar disorder is a mental disease which is cureable through therapy and some cases medication. When a person is in manic state and a very depressed state and no in between. These two stages occur in matter of minutes and in other cases hours , days etc... The manic state is the very energetic state or even a high amount of excitement which then changes to depression and vice versa. Seek a proffessional psychologist for advice please do not diagnose yourself.
2007-02-06 17:36:03 · answer #4 · answered by kaiser11373@verizon.net 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The only way you can know is to be diagnosed by a psychiatric professional. NO, your family physician can't effectively diagnose this disorder and if he suspects you have it, should refer you to a psychiatrist.
2007-02-06 17:29:28 · answer #5 · answered by Marvelissa 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is a questionaire on this site. You should have a doctor decide though.
2007-02-06 17:30:27 · answer #6 · answered by upallnight 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
u r al cheery one min the next u r like f u to the same person
2007-02-06 17:30:36 · answer #7 · answered by kristy m 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
you go to a pyschologist and they will tell you...self diagnosis can make you think you have something you don't! not good!.... and if you think you might youll wanna see one anyway to get help or meds, its very serious.
2007-02-06 17:30:12 · answer #8 · answered by kristin_elizabeth_864a 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
try taking some on line tests....if your results tell you to see a Dr. better go....
http://www.psywww.com/resource/bytopic/testing.html
also http://www.webmd.com/
2007-02-06 17:31:14 · answer #9 · answered by Rmprrmbouncer 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When a doctor tells you that you are.
2007-02-06 17:33:50 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋