Bipolar Disorder Symptoms- Identifying Warning Signs

Many people feel anxious at times and have ups and downs in life. It is natural for a human mood to change and anxiety levels to rise when a stressful or difficult time occurs.

Some people have mood swings, anxiety, and depression that are so severe that they interfere with your relationship, work, and day-to-day functioning. Such people may have bipolar disorder.

Bipolar disorder and symptoms- An overview

The other name for bipolar disorder is a manic-depressive illness. It is a brain disorder that causes shifts in a person’s mood, behavior, and ability to function correctly.

People with bipolar disorder have extreme emotional stages that occur at different times, called mood episodes. Bipolar disorder is not just mood swings; it is a severe mental health condition that needs easy recognition.

 

If you have bipolar disorder, you can likely experience:

1.   Manic or hypomanic symptoms/episodes (A person feels high)

 

It is a mood disturbance that makes you abnormally full of energy, both physically and mentally. Hypomanic episodes are an emotional stage characterized by a distinct period of persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood. It lasts for at least four consecutive days.

 

2.   Depressive symptoms/episodes (A person feels low)

Although the awareness of bipolar disorder have increased, many stereotypes surround us that affect how we see it in ourselves and our loved ones. So, there is a need to recap the below-mentioned common signs of bipolar disorder.

 

Have a look at some unknown and crucial facts and figures about bipolar disorder-

1. It is the leading cause of bipolar disability and ranks at the 5th cause of disability worldwide.
2. It is the ninth leading cause of death or disability worldwide.
3. People having bipolar disorder consume a lot of alcohol and other substances that are not good for them.
4. Several medical problems can co-occur with bipolar disorder, including some pain and some neurological and genetic disorders.
5. The total sum of people who commit suicide is 60 times higher than that of the general population.

 

These above statistics are surely not right. It is good to recognize the signs of bipolar disorder before its too late.

Have a look at the symptoms:

 

          Mania and bipolar disorder:

 

1. You experience elevated mood swings. You feel happy and excited for some time.
2. People having bipolar disorder get irritated over small things and focus on minor issues for a prolonged time.
3. Increase in self-confidence due to surges in happiness.
4. Such people talk more, even if many sentences may not make any sense.
5. They get easily distracted.
6. Poor decision making
7. Reduced sleeping
8. Excessive gambling or consuming alcohol.

 

Depression and bipolar disorder

 

1. It decreases the self-confidence of a person due to the emotions attached to it.
2. Due to worries and anxiety, it causes the inability to make decisions.
3. Change in sleep patterns
4. Negative thoughts about life
5. The person having a bipolar disability, they feel a lack of interest in family and friends. It can lead to self-isolation and can cause higher depression.
6. People having bipolar disorder may have suicidal thoughts.

 

Know about the patterns of bipolar disorder symptoms that may be unknown to us.

When you have bipolar disorder, you may experience fluctuations in your mood, and you can easily spot the signs and symptoms before and during the episode. Your mood may be returning to normal between the depressive and manic episodes.

Rapid cycling

A person may experience discrete mood episodes approximately four times a year. 

Mixed state

 

During the mixed state bipolar disorder type, you notice that you feel a mixture of moods simultaneously. A person feels a sense of hopelessness and self-doubt.

 

Are you wondering about the emotional symptoms of bipolar disorder?

 

If yes, have a look below. Consult for help if you notice any of the symptoms.

 

1. Sadness
2. Uncontrollable crying
3. Hopelessness
4. Low self-esteem
5. Feelings of guilt

 

Here are the signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder in children:

 

1. A person having bipolar disorder have mood swings that can be easily noticed in them. This is quite different from usual mood changes that is observed in a person.
2. Impulsive, aggressive, hyperactive, and socially inappropriate behavior
3. Reckless and risky behavior that is out of the typical character
4. The decrease in sleep or insomnia
5.  Irritable mood the whole day and depressed nearly every day during a depressive episode
6. An expanded view of the capabilities
7. Suicidal thoughts in teens or older children

 

Children with bipolar disorder have symptoms in distinct episodes. Between these episodes, children return to their usual mood and behavior. If your children have severe mood swings, action, or depression problems, talk to a therapist online who is an expert in working with children and teens. Recognizing the symptoms at the initial stage is excellent as it helps to take necessary steps at the right time.

 

Types of bipolar disorder

 

1. Bipolar 1 disorder

It involves periods of mania that lasts at least seven days or if the person is hospitalized.

 

2. Bipolar 2 disorder

A person with bipolar 2 disorder has episodes of depression and hypomania. Such people do not have full mania.

3. Cyclothymic disorder

People with cyclothymic disorder have changing periods of hypomania and depression. The time that it lasts in a person is approx. 2 years.

 

4. Other specified and unspecified bipolar disorder

A person may have bipolar disorder that does not match any of the above types. Such people may receive the diagnosis depending on the symptoms.

 

Find here a few steps that you can choose to treat depression.

 

1.   Strictly, do not take alcohol or drugs. They worsen the mood and keep your medications from working effectively in your body.

2.   Stick to a proper routine. Go to bed, take medicines, do exercise at the same time every day.

3.   Don’t make significant life changes you are depressed. Live a healthy and usual life.

4.   Stay in regular touch with your near and dear ones. Stay active with them.

 

Diagnosis

 

To diagnose bipolar disorder, a healthcare provider begins by looking at the symptoms. A medical interview with a physical examination is done for diagnosis. The doctor may also suggest tests to rule out other medical conditions that have similar symptoms.

 

You can then go for a mental health specialist. The best way to diagnose bipolar disorder is to consult a psychiatrist who is an expert in caring for people with psychological problems. Consult for help immediately if you see any symptoms.