How Do You Know If Someone Is Bi-Polar?

Question

What are the signs of bi-polar? (I have heard sometimes it can look like depression, so how do you tell the difference?) How can you help someone who is other than getting them to go to a doctor? What meds are normally prescribed? Can bi-polar, if left untreated, develop into other mental issues?

Thanks, guys. Thats really helpful!!!!

Answer 1

They will tell you stories about their visits to both the South and the North Poles.

Answer 2

The idea that a bipolar person alternates between extremes of mania or depression is an oversimplification. A person can be depressed and manic at the same time. The DSM ( the diagnosis manual) is in need of a serious update. However, there will be a hyper component in a person's life if they are bipolar, but it may not feel good in the sense of classic hypomania/mania. Pretty much a bipolar person has to take meds. Other things that help are keeping a routine schedule, exercising, using a light box in the winter, eating on a regular schedule, getting counseling to stay on meds and deal with disability issues, if they apply.

If bipolar isn't treated, there's about a 15-20% a person will commit suicide, because the depression hurts so much. Also, it is thought that progressive brain damage may be occurring, and treatment may help with that, but it isn't known yet. Bipolar will affect your cognitive abilities, too, not just mood. So you can't think very well, and don't remember things like you should.

Answer 3

Bipolar disorder in point-blank terms is when a person experiences bouts of moods that are either manic (high) in nature or depressive (low) in nature. These episodes of manic or depression - may be over short periods of time or long periods of time. A person who is manic might go on a shopping spree and lose all of their money and not care - they feel on top of the world...then the next day may fall into an ultimate low and feel like suicide is the only way out. Some episodes may be severe, some not so severe. These moods will continue to fluctuate throughout time and usually medication is the only answer or a temporary answer. Sometimes people are given Seroquel, Depakote, or Lithium. All of us are Bipolar to some extent believe it or not, but when your moods become harmful and the depressive state continues for a lenthy period of time....well, a person needs professional help. That's the only answer.

Answer 4

Bipolar is characterized by highs (mania) and lows (depression). They switch back and forth, often with normal periods in between. If someone is manic they tend to overly happy, energetic, outgoing, talk fast, get irritable easily, over-do everything like shopping, spending, sex, etc. Depression is the opposite with the person being noticeably slowed down mentally, physically, etc. Hopelessness and despair are hallmarks of depression. Only a doctor can diagnose Bipolar (or any other mental illness). There are also sub-types where people experience mainly mania or mainly depression. Providing help means getting them to a doctor, or even an emergency department if the person is in an extreme state of mind. Denial is a big part of any major illness, so it may take many encounters with doctors and medication before the person accepts their need for medication. Bipolar doesn't lead to other illnesses but up to 15% with the disorder commit suicide. The best help you can offer is to be a friend, offer reality checks, and support them through treatment and hospitalization. However, don't let yourself be swallowed up by your friend's problem. There are support groups they can go to in order to find others like them who truly understand and can provide support.

Answer 5

Bi-polar is Manic depperssion. left untreatred it could lead to mental insttususion or some death. from my persnol experiense before i was treated for bi-polar i have tryed to commet suiside more than once i ended up on 3 day hold againset my will about 5 times. there reason they called manic depperassive. the person has two personalty.and its its it a chemical unbalance in the brain. the times when the mania hits its better than any drugs, you get so high on life without drugs and you cannot sleep eat, i went to new york one time bought new car.with in a week you crash and the depperssion hits and thats when you wish you are dead , isolation,lack of enjoment of anything, loosin or gaiing weight,sleeping a lot, crying for no reason , peronoid.there is help to control it today,think of as diabetis you have to get a shot for it to stay alive and function,well same thing with bi-bolar you get treated at doctor he tells whichs meds are best for you and you be amezed.i have been taking my meds living free of it for 11 years

Answer 6

depression is 1/2 of bipolar disorder.
the other half is mania.
Depression alternating with episodes of extreme exitability, energy and elation (even out of control sometimes) is what bipolar looks like. The cycles may last for days or months.
Untreated it has a high suicide rate.
There are several good medications out there.
Most major cities have clinics especially for bipolar.
The problem is often in the patient being compliant, and some meds have side effects- so that doesnt help.

My brother has it and he's doing great, after struggling with bipolar ( and chem dep) for many years

Answer 7

This People have terrible Mood swings,one Second happy,the next just raging.I can cause all kind of Problems,you have to get them to a Doctor,there is no other Way.To get the right Medication is impossible with out a Doctor,Good Luck.

Answer 8

If they can prove that they have been to both the South Pole AND North Pole...(:>1

Answer 9

plain and simple,,,, BIG MOOD SWINGS WITN IN MINUTES OR SECONDS, REALLY!