Understand the Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

The Highs and Lows

To the layperson the symptoms of bipolar disorder may seem very similar to other types of depression. Medical practitioners are able to diagnose several types of depression.

Bipolar depression differs as it has "two poles" - the highs and lows. You may heard it described as "manic depression" in the past.

What is Bipolar Disorder?

According to Mind, the leading mental health charity for England and Wales in the UK:-

Someone diagnosed with bipolar disorder (formerly known as manic depression) experiences swings in mood from periods of overactive, excited behavior known as mania to deep depression. Between these severe highs and lows can be stable times. Some people also see or hear things that others around them don't (known as having visual or auditory hallucinations) or have strange, unshared, beliefs (known as delusions).
Everybody experiences mood shifts in daily life, but with bipolar disorder these changes are extreme.

The Highs

The manic symptoms of bipolar disorder, or high phase may include some or all of the following:-

• Feeling very happy, elated or euphoric
• Talking very quickly
• Full of energy and enthusiasm
• Feeling self-important
• Full of great new ideas and important plans
• Poor concentration - easily distracted
• Easily irritated or agitated
• Agressive behaviour
• Lack of judgement
• Delusional, having hallucinations and disturbed or illogical thinking
• Not wanting to sleep
• Not eating
• Doing enjoyable things that have disastrous consequences, such as excessive/inappropriate spending
• Increased sexual activity
• Misuse of alcohol or drug

When experiencing a manic episode the sufferer can be quite delusional, and completely unaware of their actions or the consequences. Sometimes the situation can get completely out of hand and the person requires hospitalization.

The Lows

When experiencing the depression the feelings are the complete opposite:-

• Total sense of hopelessness
• Emotionally empty
• Sense of guilt and despair
• Feeling worthless
• Weary and fatigued
• Pessimistic about everything
• Disturbed sleep patterns - either too much or unable to sleep
• Weight loss or gain/change in appetite
• Loss of interest in everyday life
• Poor concentration/forgetfulness
• Loss of self-esteem
• Suicidal thoughts

Just as the 'highs' have the potential to be dangerous to the sufferer so do the 'lows', such is the sense of utter desolation and worthlessness.

Our depression checklist lists some feelings and states of mind that you'll also find listed here - the major difference is the swing between mania to depression and back again, and the extremes of high and low emotions.

Bipolar disorder is equally common among men and women, there is strong evidence that it is inherited and caused by some chemical imbalance in the brain.

Conclusion
If you or someone close to you is experiencing the extreme highs and lows described here then please visit your medical practitioner for a proper diagnosis and professional help. Don't be afraid to ask for help! You'll probably be referred to a psychiatrist for diagnosis and offered various treatment options. Most people are offered medication which will manage but not cure the symptoms of bipolar disorder.

The following organizations may also be able to offer you support and advice from their websites:-

• Samaritans 08457 90 90 90 www.samaritans.org.uk
• Sane 0845 767 8000 www.sane.org.uk
• Mind 0845 766 0163 www.mind.org.uk
• Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance www.dbsalliance.org

Back from Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder to Healthy Lifestyle Success home page.

Best Depression Treatment - Determining the best depression treatment often involves trying out some different approaches.

Managing Depression - Where Should You Start? Many who suffer from depression reject prescription drugs and prefer managing depression themselves.

Exercise and Depression - Symptoms of Depression May Be Significantly Reduced By Exercising

How Do You Know If You Are Living With Depression? - When its more than just a bad hair day! Or maybe you've forgotten what 'normal' feels like.

Living With A Depressed Person - Its tough living with a depressed person, you may even find yourself questioning who is depressed!

Depression Checklist - a list of symptoms to get you thinking about your moods, physical symptoms and state of mind.

Our Most Popular Healthy Lifestyle Success Pages
Our Blog Our Homepage Healthy Eating Plans Living A Healthy Lifestyle Healthy Lifestyle Tips Daily Health Tips Physical Fitness Components Free Inspirational Quotes Best Aerobic Activities Healthy Eating Guidelines	Effects Of Stress Managing Depression Healthy Foods Healthy Eating Tips Top Healthiest Foods Causes Of Stress Stress Reduction Tips Flexibility & Fitness Health News Articles Cool Down Exercises	Leg Exercises For Women Arm Exercises For Women Blood Pressure Monitors High Blood Pressure Reasons To Exercise Healthy Breakfast Foods Lose Weight With Water Easy Healthy Meals Womens Health Issues Best Stretching Routines

Become a Healthier, Happier Midlife Woman
© Healthy Lifestyle Success 2009-2011

The information provided on this website is for reference purposes only.
It is not intended as medical or professional advice.