How can you tell if you are Bipolar?

Question

Sometimes I seriously think I am bipolar because I go from being depressed to extremely happy for no reason at all. My Dad is bipolar so there is a possibility I might have it; however, I am only 14 so it could just be hormones. What are some of the signs?

Answer 1

Ask yourself again tomorrow.

Answer 2

You know your mind and body because you live within it. You know your father is bipolar because he was diagnosed with it. You also are 14 and not a licensed medical doctor, so therefore you are unable to ascertain if you are bipolar or not. Even if you were absolutely convinced it was true, you would still need to go to a qualified psychiatrist for an evaluation to begin treatment. So, rather than finding a list of signs, and believe me, there are too many and are too variable with bipolar disorder, talk to your dad about making an appointment for an evaluation about your mood swings and get professional help and advice. Remember, this is YahooAnswers, not a licensed clinical mental evaluation site. Good luck to you, you sound like a smart one to me, so that's great!
P.S. I've been afflicted with bipolar disorder for 15 years now and I know a lot, but not everything. Take care.

Answer 3

Well, bipolar disorder does run in families, so you have decent reason to be concerned. Generally, people with bipolar disorder will go in cycles----their moods usually do not change all that quickly, they go from being manic to being depressed over time. You're absolutely right that it could be simple hormonal issues, though, and that's what it probably is. If you're still concerned about possibly being bipolar, then you should probably talk to a doc or a licensed counselor. If you go to school, this is one of the reasons why you can talk to guidance counselors.

Answer 4

Signs and symptoms

Bipolar disorder is characterized by an alternating pattern of emotional highs (mania) and lows (depression). The intensity of the associated signs and symptoms varies. Bipolar disorder can range from a mild condition to a severe condition, and there may be periods of normal behavior.

Manic phase
For many people, signs and symptoms in the manic phase may include:

1. Feelings of euphoria, extreme optimism and inflated self-esteem
2. Rapid speech, racing thoughts, agitation and increased physical activity
3. Poor judgment
4. Recklessness or taking chances not normally taken
5. Difficulty sleeping
6. Tendency to be easily distracted
7. Inability to concentrate
8. Aggressive behavior

Depressive phase

In the depressive phase, signs and symptoms include:

1. Persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, guilt or hopelessness
2. Disturbances in sleep and appetite
3. Fatigue and loss of interest in daily activities
4. Problems concentrating
5. Irritability
6. Chronic pain without a known cause
7. Recurring thoughts of suicide

Answer 5

It is normal to worry about having a condition if a parent has it - Perhaps it is just puberty. I don't think mania is the same as feeling happy either, though you would probably know more about that than me. 14 is too young to know for sure, but go to the doctor if you are worried. Both of my parents are alcoholics and it sometimes feels inevitable that I will become one or develop a mental illness. You may be trying to make a link where there is none, so try not to worry and good luck.

Answer 6

Bipolar is tricky. If you are serious, you may want to get a psych evaluation. Be correctly diagnosed...

Bipolar is mania, positive and negative. Basically, you could be sitting on the couch doing nothing, and feeling like killing yourself, so you start cutting horribly, then the next minute, you are ready to go to a party and have tons of energy.

This is just an example. Bipolar symptoms are manic feelings to the extreme on both ends, having come from no events, just out of your mind.

Answer 7

You know, this is one question I would suggest you need to ask of your school conselor.

I think you really answered your own question. From what you "ask" here, you have two strong indicators that you are bipolar, personal symptoms and a family history.

My father also was bipolar and his manic phase led to his dealth. Don't mess with this. You're high school age, go to your conselor and discuss is with him or her. Likely, there is professional help available at no cost to you.

Take advantage of it.

Answer 8

You will probably need to get psycological evaluation and see a mental health doctor to determine if you are. Some of the signs of being bi-polar are mood highs and lows. Sometimes you feel depressed, and other times you may feel hyperactive on top of the world. It may be difficult to maintain relationships and friendsips because of your mood changes.

Answer 9

some symptoms of bipolar disease are

# Inappropriate elevated mood
# Distractability
# Irritability
# Rebelliousness
# Overly-inflated self-esteem
# Grandiosity
# Unrealistic ideas
# Hypersexuality (increased sex drive)
# Decreased need for sleep
# Excessive talkativeness

http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/b/bipolar/symptoms.htm

click for the whole list of symptoms.

Answer 10

That's what psychologists and scientists would like to know.

They haven't come up with a definite criteria for bipolar disorder yet. I would suggest you see a psychologist.

Answer 11

Bipolar you can tell if you have it by your anger, rage, and mood swing. you can go to and get more information on this at.
www.bipolarsupporter.com.
and it will tell you more. or go to the search the web and type in bipolar.