Symptoms of Biploar Disorder

by J. F. O.
(Monterey, CA)

Some in the medical profession fail to make a correct diagnosis of bipolar disorder. In seeing a person complaining of depression a psychiarist may treat the patient for depression, which may be the only symptom the patient is complaining of. However, as bipolar dosorder symptoms range in severity, and manifest at different times, a patient would stand a much better chance of an accurate diagnosis by reporting to his/her doctor a complete history of their mood swings.

Psychistrists are essential in treatment through medication and talk therapy, but it is the person with bipolar disorder who should be completely honest if he or she hopes to receive proper treatment.

Bipolar disorder may carry with it a stigma that many people do not want to be labled with. The signs that may indicate a diagnosis of bipolar disorder are mild to severe mood swings between the two "poles".

The follwing two symptoms usually indicate bipolar disorder. The two phases are:

Depression: Hypersomia (excessive lack of sleep), or insomnia (lack of sleep); fatigue or loss of energy; being restless to the point that other people notice. Also lack of concentration; feelings of guilt or worthlessness; thoughts of suicide or even attempted suicide. Also loss of pleasue in activities you once enjoyed or feelings of abandoment.

Manic episodes manifest before or after an episode of depression. The main signs are:

A feeling of superiority, elevated moods of happiness, or aggresive behavior, or uncooperative; lack of the need for for sleep; a feeling of power and having you attention drift from one subject to another; hazardous behavior. Also vices that you would not normally participate in, such as drinking, gambling, sex, or intense focus on minisule activities.