bipolar disorder?

Question

i think i may have bipolar disorder. my symptoms fit almost perfectly but people usually don't take me seriously because i'm only 17. i have perviously been diagnosed with depression and treated for it. i have partaken in self-mutilation and seriously considered suicide. i also have rather severe mood swings where i will be happy and excited one minute and sad the next. i have difficulty focusing on almost anything, even things i used to love. i've had problems with anxiety in the past, but those symptoms no longer bother me. lately, even the smallest things will set off a mood change. a little less than three months ago, one of my best friends killed himself and my symptoms have gotten worse since then. i also recently found that my boyfriend had cheated on me. i find myself getting very moody with everyone around me and lashing out at the smallest things anymore. my main problem is this: how can i tell the difference between normal mood swings and bipolar disorder?

Answer 1

Hi--From high to low. From euphoria to depression. From recklessness to listlessness. These are the extremes associated with bipolar disorder, which can be a serious and disabling mental illness. Bipolar disorder is also known as manic-depression or manic-depressive illness — manic behavior is one extreme of this disorder and depression is the other.

Bipolar disorder often begins in adolescence or early adulthood and may persist throughout life. The causes of bipolar disorder are elusive, and there's no cure.

The flares of bipolar disorder may last for weeks or months, causing great disturbances in the lives of those affected, their friends and their families. Left untreated, the condition usually worsens. But bipolar disorder can be managed with medications and other therapies.

***When to seek medical advice:
People with bipolar disorder often don't recognize how impaired they are when experiencing a mood episode and how greatly the disorder is affecting their lives and the lives of others. Friends, family and primary care physicians are all important in recognizing possible signs of bipolar disorder and urging the person to seek professional help.***

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:

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

Depressive phase:

In the depressive phase, signs and symptoms include:

Persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, guilt or hopelessness
Disturbances in sleep and appetite
Fatigue and loss of interest in daily activities
Problems concentrating
Irritability
Chronic pain without a known cause
Recurring thoughts of suicide

Answer 2

You should really talk with your doctor. It is possible to have bipolar as a child or teen but is somewhat rare. At 17, though, you're old enough to be evaluated using the standard adult guidelines. I would suggest that you talk to your doctor or psychiatrist. Mood swings can just be a part of being a teen but it sounds like you have a lot going on that could be augmenting your depression and anxiety symptoms. Are you seeing a counselor? The death of a friend can be extremely difficult to deal with. Good luck, hun. Only a psychiatrist will be able to determine if this is bipolar.

Answer 3

Please listen to what I am telling you... Get on the phone, and seek professional help NOW! I'm not playin, this isn't for Yahoo Answers. I know, I've been where you are... I would definitely not be brushin this off as "normal mood swings"

Answer 4

Please find a psychotherapist who specializes in teenagers. You need a specialist to observe you and decide on a diagnosis. Medicine at your age is very difficult to prescribe, so you need to find someone good! If your parents don't have insurance, contact the local mental health department of state, county or city (depends on the location).

Answer 5

You would really need to see a doctor about this. As for you age, bipolar disorder usually does present itself at your sort of age.

Answer 6

Only a psychologist or therapist can tell if you are suffering anything,please see a Dr. asap. Good luck.

Answer 7

You should seek help, I think you have it. Those are not 'normal' mood-swings.