Bipolar Disease or CopyCat?

Question

I have a friend who has symptoms that sound like bipolar, but I am not sure if it's bipolar or something else.
-
He goes through long periods of depression, feeling like a failure, not suicidal, but feels he will die soon by suicide.
When he's not depressed he is extremely elated. Like life is a bowl of cherries.
-
Also, he is experienceing a great deal of pain. Kolonopin eases the pain, but he hates drugs.
-
My point is: Depression ALLWAYS comes by, and it lasts for days. On the other hand he often feels "high on life".
-
Is there another disease besides bipolar that has symptoms like this? Could this just be his normal self? Just asking.

Answer 1

Your friend needs to be evaluated by a professional psychiatrist. Here are the symptoms of bipolar though:

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

No, sounds like bipolar used to be referred to as manic depressive. The state of mania is the high on top of the world feeling and of course depressive is the other when not in mania. Although, bi polars usually show symptoms of violent behavior. This disease must be treated with medication.

Answer 3

If you look up the definition of bipolar disease in a medical dictionary online then you will probably find that it matches with your friends conduct.

Answer 4

no this is not normal, but classic symptoms of being bi polar. he needs to be on proper medication, that will stabilize his moods. do not pay any attention to all the thumbs down. there are a lot of good answers here.

Answer 5

Could be. Sounds like the disease

Answer 6

he is bipolar-one of the top charachteristics of bipolar is extreme highs and lows

Answer 7

Could be bi-polar. Sometimes it takes awhile to find the proper drug or drugs to help control it.

Answer 8

no, it is not normal.

is he lonely too much. if yes, then you must encourage him to make new friends.

only one cure can kill depression if you make new friends