Suffering from Bipolar Disorder Symptoms?

Posted on March 5, 2008

» Filed Under Depression |



How does one know if they are suffering from bipolar disorder symptoms? What is bipolar disorder, do you think you have bipolar symptoms? This article will attempt to help you distinguish between bipolar disorder symptoms and depression symptoms.

If you believe you are suffering from bipolar disorder symptoms, do not despair, as it is reported that 44 million Americans may be suffering the same fate. Researchers believe that the primary culprit for bipolar disorder is the effects of complex imbalances in the brain’s chemical activity. However this is not isolated, as certain environmental factors can also play apart in triggering the onset of this mental illness.

Everyone experiences ups and downs; however bipolar disorder symptoms go beyond the regular day to day mood change. Bipolar symptoms can be characterized by mood disorders that can be identified as a shift in a person’s mood, energy and ability to function. It can further be distinguished by the person experiencing cycles of manic episodes. These episodes are characterized by an abnormally elevated mood and depressive episodes or symptoms.

People with bipolar disorder have severe highs (mania) and lows (depression). Bipolar disorder symptoms involve mood swings that are dramatic and rapid, but most times more gradual. A person can have all or some of the symptoms when in a depressed stage. These episodes - whether depressive or manic - can last for weeks, month or even years.

The key to understanding the difference between major depression and the depressive phase of bipolar disorder, which are very similar, is low energy. People with bipolar depression are more likely to have psychotic depression, a condition in which they have lost all contact with reality and they tend to move and speak slowly and sleep a lot.

Bipolar disorder symptoms fall into two categories, depression or mania. Here are the symptoms of a bipolar disorder depressive episode:

  • Feeling hopeless, sad, or empty

  • Excessive crying

  • Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy

  • Fatigue or loss of energy

  • Physical and mental sluggishness

  • Appetite or weight changes

  • Sleeping too much or too little

  • Difficulty concentrating

  • Feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness

  • Thoughts of death or suicide

    • The bipolar disorder manic episode can be very different to the depressive phase of bipolar disorder. Manic episodes are defined by periods of elevated mood, which can include racing thoughts, extreme irritability and reckless behavior. Symptoms may include:

    • Inappropriate sense of euphoria (elation)

    • Racing thoughts; talking too much

    • Extreme irritability

    • Reckless behavior

    • Abnormal sleep

    • Excessive energy

    • Out of control spending

    • Difficulty concentrating

    • Abnormally increased activity, including sexual activity

    • Poor judgment

    • Aggressive behavior

      • If you or someone you know suffer from or display any of these symptoms, consult a physician for the most accurate diagnosis on mental health.

      Found this information on bipolar disorder symptoms useful? You can learn a lot more about the types of bipolar disorder, causes, triggers, relation to suicide, treatment options, medications and the latest medical break through at Bipolar-Disorder-Symptoms.net

      Article Author :Dustin_V_Davis


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