Could I be Bipolar?

Question

I know I have Autism, but I think I might have other problems as well. I have never been officially diagnosed, but I suffer from severe mood swings. I'm happy and cheerful one minute and the next, I change, just like that. Sometimes I act like a complete different person. Some times I cry for no reason at all. I have had a very chaotic life, I'm not really going into details about my life, but do you think that that could be the reason I am the way I am?

Answer 1

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in a person's mood, energy, and ability to function. Different from the normal ups and downs that everyone goes through, the symptoms of bipolar disorder are severe. They can result in damaged relationships, poor job or school performance, and even suicide.
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/bipolar.cfm#intro


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

Answer 2

I'm not going to diagnose you.

But people who are bipolar have SEVERE mood swings. It's a term that gets over used a lot, it's normal to feel up and then down all in the course of a day (or even an hour) but people who are bipolar are WAY up and then WAY down.

And that doesn't necessarily mean happy to sad. I knew a girl who was bipolar, and when she was Manic (up) she wasn't happy, she'd just talk a real lot, about everything. but when she went down she would black out and not even remember some of the things she would say/do.

Your mood swings could have more to do with your autism than anything else, or even just your natural hormones (or both). Then again, if you really think you may be bipolar, I'd get it checked out.

Answer 3

Yes you could be. But let's not jump into conclusions here yet, maybe you're just going through a rough time in your life. Bipolar disorder aka manic depression is characterized by severe mood swings that affect people's ability to function in daily life. Have you not been able to do things like go to school/work or talk to other people because of your mood swings? The mood swings can also last for days, weeks or even months. Some people with bipolar feel intense bursts e.g. happiness, energy and then followed by periods of deep sadness. Symptoms of bipolar disorder usually begin in late adolesence or early adulthood and rarely in childhood.

For the meantime here's a checklist for signs of manic episode:
1. increased energy activity and restlessness
2. excessive hapiness or euphoric mood
3. extreme irritability or anger
4. racing thoughts or thoughts that jump from one idea to another
5. rapid speech
6. trouble concentrating or focusing
7. needing little sleep
8. unrealistic feeling of personal power to accomplish any task
9. poor judgment such as excessive spending or reckless driving
10. increased sexual drive
11. provocative, agressive or risky behavior
12. denial that anything is wrong
13. increased use of alcohol or street drugs

I suggest you recieve a treatment plan at your nearest hospital. It's nothing to be ashamed of because it's more common than you think. I'm a psych student and a lot of the bipolar patients I've worked with actually lead active and productive lives. I wish you the best of luck!

Answer 4

Bipolar moods don't swing from minute to minute. What you are experiencing could very well be signs of borderline personality disorder.

Does any of this sound familiar?:

Black and white thinking (no middle ground)

Fear of people leaving you

Impulse control problems

Suicidal ideation, gestures, or self mutilation

Feeling "empty" all the time

Unstable self image

Very intense but unstable relationships

Intense, inapropriate feelings of anger


Here's a link for more info: http://www.bpdresourcecenter.org/

Also...why do you think you have autism? It seems to me like way too many people think that they are either bipolar or autistic....?

Answer 5

I have suffered from mood swings just like you describe but I am not bipolar. I questioned it and talked to a psy. dr. With bipolar the highs are more than happy it is over the top happy. I have family with it.


National Alliance on Mental Health is one of the best places for information on all mental health issues.


Bipolar Disorder
What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder, or manic depression, is a medical illness that causes extreme shifts in mood, energy, and functioning. These changes may be subtle or dramatic and typically vary greatly over the course of a person’s life as well as among individuals. Over 10 million people in America have bipolar disorder, and the illness affects men and women equally. Bipolar disorder is a chronic and generally life-long condition with recurring episodes of mania and depression that can last from days to months that often begin in adolescence or early adulthood, and occasionally even in children. Most people generally require some sort of lifelong treatment. While medication is one key element in successful treatment of bipolar disorder, psychotherapy, support, and education about the illness are also essential components of the treatment process.

What are the symptoms of mania?
Mania is the word that describes the activated phase of bipolar disorder. The symptoms of mania may include:

either an elated, happy mood or an irritable, angry, unpleasant mood
increased physical and mental activity and energy
racing thoughts and flight of ideas
increased talking, more rapid speech than normal
ambitious, often grandiose plans
risk taking
impulsive activity such as spending sprees, sexual indiscretion, and alcohol abuse
decreased sleep without experiencing fatigue
What are the symptoms of depression?
Depression is the other phase of bipolar disorder. The symptoms of depression may include:

loss of energy
prolonged sadness
decreased activity and energy
restlessness and irritability
inability to concentrate or make decisions
increased feelings of worry and anxiety
less interest or participation in, and less enjoyment of activities normally enjoyed
feelings of guilt and hopelessness
thoughts of suicide
change in appetite (either eating more or eating less)
change in sleep patterns (either sleeping more or sleeping less)

What is a "mixed" state?
A mixed state is when symptoms of mania and depression occur at the same time. During a mixed state depressed mood accompanies manic activation.

Answer 6

You seem to have a very mild case of Autism. I've never known of an autistic person to be able to articulate their issues so well. Based on this paragraph, I'd say you have some sort of mental health issue that will likely get worse if you don't seek treatment. You need to see a Psychiatrist for evaluation of your mood swings and apparent hypochondria. Whatever you do, please don't breed.

Answer 7

I have the same problems but with me its to do with pmt I always feel worse before my period then calm down after it. Keep a diary of your moods when they happen and how your feeling and see if theres a link sounds like pmt, or could it be a symptom of your autism? my nephew is autistic and has terrible mood swings sometimes hes like 2 different people rolled into one see your gp hel advise you better good luck

Answer 8

Those with bi-polar disorder are not actually known for rapid mood swings, but rather, extreme moods.

A bi-polar person, when happy, is ecstatic. When they are sad, they are near suicidal. Its taking their moods to the extreme which is a dead give-away.

You could be suffering from Bi-Polar disorder, but in reading what you say, I would better guess depression and anxiety. Talk to a therapist.

Answer 9

It could very well mean you're bipolar, so I strongly recommend you get yourself to a mental health professional to be properly tested. Also, I would like to know how you know you have Autism. It could be you have Asperger Syndrome, which is High Functioning Autism. I hope my answer helps you.

Answer 10

Well, you really are aware of what is going on. How old are you? You obviously have a good head on your shoulders to notice these problems. I would get on any medication right away if I were you. Even if a doctor suggested it. You may need to just get through this part of your life. Speak to a therapist instead of seeing a doc that is going to prescribe something to you. It is possible that you may need to work through some things and sort through problems going on in your head.

Answer 11

I can tell you with 100% guarantee that you dont have autism.....otherwise if you had it .....you wouldnt be able to ask this question and explain it as well as you have done.....
NO WAY YOU DONT HAVE AUTISM.....if you are having mood swings.....it may be PMS(as you are a girl).....but it can be Bi-polar too.....if that is the case...you would have to take Lithium regularly...to keep it under check.