 SYMPTONS OF BIPOLAR
WHAT IS
BIPOLAR DISORDER?
Bipolar disorder, which is also known as manic-depressive
illness and will be called by both names throughout this
publication--is a mental illness involving episodes of serious mania
and depression.
The person's mood usually swings
from overly "high" and irritable to sad and hopeless and then back
again, with periods of normal mood in between.
Bipolar disorder typically begins in adolescence or early adulthood
and continues throughout life. It is often not recognized as an
illness, and people who have it may suffer needlessly for years or
even decades. |
BIPOLAR Symptoms
The difference between bipolar
disorder and unipolar disorder, generally called major depression,
is that bipolar disorder involves both elevated and depressive mood
states. The duration and intensity of mood states varies widely among
people with the illness.
Fluctuating from one mood state to
the next is called "cycling". Mood swings can cause impairment or
improved functioning depending on their direction (up or down) and
severity (mild to severe). There can be changes in one's energy level,
sleep pattern, activity level, social rhythms and cognitive
functioning. Some people may have difficulty functioning during these
times. It is not necessary for depressive episodes to exist in order
to be diagnosed with Bipolar I.
Signs and symptoms
of mania include discrete periods of:
- Increased energy, activity,
restlessness, racing thoughts, and rapid talking
- Excessive "high" or euphoric
feelings
- Extreme irritability and
distractibility
- Decreased need for sleep
- Unrealistic beliefs in one's
abilities and powers
- Uncharacteristically poor judgment
- A sustained 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
Signs and symptoms
of depression include discrete periods of:
- Persistent sad, anxious, or empty
mood
- Feelings of hopelessness or
pessimism
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness,
or helplessness
- Loss of interest or pleasure in
ordinary activities, including sex
- Decreased energy, a feeling of
fatigue or of being "slowed down"
- Difficulty concentrating,
remembering, making decisions
- Restlessness or irritability
- Sleep disturbances
- Loss of appetite and weight, or
weight gain
- Chronic pain or other persistent
bodily symptoms that are not caused by physical disease
- Thoughts of death or suicide;
suicide attempts
Anyone with bipolar disorder should
be under the care of a psychiatrist skilled in the diagnosis and
treatment of this disease.
Other mental health professionals, such as psychologists and
psychiatric social workers, can assist in providing the patient and
his or her family with additional approaches to treatment. |
