Why do people nowadays view depression & anxiety as bipolar?

Answer 1

Bipolar is a newer diagnosis than depression and anxiety. Professionals should not do this, but other people hear of a condition or mental illness and use this word to "diagnose" other people. A person has to meet specific criteria to be diagnosed and treated for a bipolar illness.

Answer 2

A real health professional doesn't do that. They view depression and anxiety as depression and anxiety. Bipolar is characterized by emotionaly "cycling" between being manic - meaning always on the go, a lot of energy and sometimes disruptive behavior. People have less sleep, eat less and are high functioning when manic. Then it cycles into depression. I'm not talking mood swings but cycles of several days to weeks. That is true bipolar.

Medications are very effective, but it can take trying different combinations to fine one that's right for you.

Answer 3

I think that the reason more people are being diagnosed with bipolar disorder is due its increased awareness. Many people with bipolar disorder have been misdiagnosed with depression and/or anxiety and have been treated for the wrong problem. I think that having bipolar disorder and being treated for depression/anxiety is far worse than having depression/anxiety and being treated for bipolar disorder.

Answer 4

I don't think they do. When you are bipolar you have periods of depression where you are really low and periods of mania where you are really high. The length of each cycle is not always the same--it can be short, long, or in between. And anxiety and mania are two different things.

Answer 5

Because some people who believe they have these symptoms, self-diagnose themselves from the Internet, so they can avoid doctor fees.

Answer 6

b/c it sounds worse...the people who have it loose accountability for their behavior. Everyone wants to be a victim.