How do I know if I am bipolar?

Question

I am currently on anti-depressants for my issues. I was just wondering if I was bipolar or not. I have drastic mood swings & lately it seems like my only emotions are anger & saddness. I feel like I can flip out at the drop of a hat. If this is being bipolar, what are the best meds. to treat the condition? I am currently taking Fluoxetine, which is generic for Prozac & see little difference. I have also tried Zoloft & that did not help at all. Any advice please!

Answer 1

What Are the Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder?
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/bipolar.cfm#bp1

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.

Answer 2

You may want to contact your physician or ask for a referral.
A psychologist or psychiatrist, specializing in mental disorders can often provide a diagnosis and the proper medication.

If you are bipolar, Zoloft alone will probably be of little help.
A combination of antidepressants and mood stabilizers are often prescribed for people diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder.

The links below provide a wealth of information regarding Bipolar Disorder as well as a support group. The site also lists a "self help" quiz regarding BP. Do not diagnose yourself, please seek professional treatment.

Answer 3

I see the anger emotion as being directly connected to your sexual learning. Whereas I see the sadness emotion as being directly connected to your beliefs training. Sex and anger are related and depression and expectations are related. But if a pill can wipe the whole mess clean then why not use it. If you think medication is not the best way to treat the condition why not try something else like group therapy.

Answer 4

It seems to me that you might be bipolar, i dont have any advice on medications but you should consider a doctor if you havent already done so.

Answer 5

Try doing a google search on "bipolar" and see what comes up.

Answer 6

By going to a shrink or seeing a therapist, they are the ones that are trained to know if you are bi polar or not, so if you think you are then make an appointment to see them, and find out if you are bi polar.

Answer 7

Go to a DR do not try and diagnose yourself because there are so many treatments out there.

Answer 8

Go to the doctor and ask him about sypmtoms and such.

Answer 9

they can diagnose this at mental healty facilities. go see a DR.

Answer 10

i think u are bipolar