Bipolar Disorder, formerly known as manic depression, is classified as a mood disorder in the Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV). Typical of a mood disorder, manic depression is classified by severe alterations in mood that interfere with a person's ability to function on a daily basis. In this particular case, sufferers alternate between episodes of extreme elation and periods of severe depression. Listed below are some tips to help you recognize the symptoms of this disorder.
Instructions
Recognizing Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
1. Be aware of the two phases of bipolar disorder: mania and depression. During manic episodes, the person will be inexplicably happy and euphoric. He is likely to be spontaneous and impulsive in his actions. During this phase, people have been known to spend excessive amounts of money on frivolous things. Work output and productivity are very common at this time. The person will sleep very little and be very active and talkative.
2. The second phase of bipolar disorder is depression. During this time, the person will be extremely sad and exhibit a loss of pleasure in nearly all activities, including those that he used to enjoy. Crying is very common during this phase. Some other common occurrences during this time are: loss of appetite; feelings of worthlessness and being uncared for by others; difficulty concentrating and socializing; somatic complaints; fatigue and/or lethargy; and suicidal thoughts in extreme cases.
3. The depression episodes typically occur more frequently and last longer than manic phases. People who suffer from bipolar disorder are more likely to commit suicide than those who suffer from major depression. Bipolar disorder is equally distributed among men and women. The typical onset for this disorder is after age 20. The disorder is incurable but can be treated and controlled with medication. The most popularly prescribed medications for bipolar disorder are lithium and Seroquel. It is possible to be diagnosed with mild bipolar disorder, known as cyclothymia.
4. Know the difference between major depression and bipolar disorder to prevent a false diagnosis. Bipolar disorder can sometimes be misdiagnosed as depression and vice versa. It is important to know the difference between the two to ensure proper medical treatment. Bipolar disorder is differentiated from depression by the presence of at least one episode of mania. If a person exhibits manic symptoms, it is logical to assume that he is bipolar. But depression alone is not sufficient to diagnose bipolar disorder.
Tags: bipolar disorder, person will, this time, Bipolar Disorder, bipolar disorder, Bipolar disorder, depression classified