Bipolar Disorder or
Manic Depression is witnessed by alternating
episodes of mania or depression. Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder are
seldom recognized by the patient at first, or even by their family,
friends, and doctors. In the early stages of the disorder, the symptoms
may mask themselves as some other problem or something other than
mental health problems. In fact, symptoms of bipolar disorder often
look like substance abuse or alcoholism or simply poor work
performance. If these symptoms go without treatment, bipolar disorder
gets worse and the individual will experience severe manic episodes and
extreme depression.
An early symptom of
bipolar disorder
may be a state known as
hypomania,
which is one where the individual still shows an excessive energy
level, extreme mood changes and irritability, and behavior that appears
impulsive and reckless. Hypomania is experienced as a good feeling to
the individual that feels it, so it is difficult for family to learn to
understand or even notice the mood switches. Very often the client will
not even admit there is something wrong.
One of the symptoms
of bipolar disorder
is major depressive disorder.These symptoms
include a depressed mood and loss of interest in daily
life for about a two week period. The mood must correspond with a
change from the individual’s every day mood or mood experiences during
work and social situations. The mood must also negatively impact day to
day living for the person experiencing it. Other symptoms of bipolar
disorder for the depressive episodes include the depression mood almost
all of the day and almost every day. Weight loss will be significant
and there will be a notable lack of appetite almost every day. Insomnia
as well as extreme fatigue and energy loss
are other symptoms of bipolar disorder, and they may be accompanied by
a feeling of low self-worth and extreme guilt almost
every day. The individual’s ability to concentrate will be present
every day, as will consistent thoughts of death or suicidal thoughts.
The manic component
is going to contain different symptoms of bipolar
disorder. It will initially be experienced by elevated mood or
irritability for a minimum of one week. These symptoms of bipolar
disorder must be extreme enough to cause a negative impact on work,
social, or other day to day life functioning that will not be explained
by other causes or be the result of alcohol or substance abuse. The
following symptoms of bipolar disorder will be present in the manic
phase of the disorder: graduated self-esteem, less sleep with
restedness being felt after about three hours of sleep or so, racing
thoughts, distraction, and goal-directed activities will have an
increase in day to day life. There may also be an additional
involvement in activities that have a high possibility for negative
consequences such as spending sprees or hyper sexual activity.
With these three critical components
of bipolar disorder, it is easy to
see how the symptoms of bipolar disorder can be confusing for those
around the person experiencing them. It is important to note that the
earlier the symptoms of bipolar disorder are recognized, the sooner
treatment can begin and the individual can continue with a normal
healthy lifestyle.