Bipolar disorder symptoms
Bipolar disorder symptoms
Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder that is frequently seen in both men and women. This is a universally found condition which often starts to develop in late teenage or early adulthood. Statistically at least half the cases are seen before age 25. Bipolar disorder is a brain condition in which the individual experiences extreme mood swings between mania and depression. This leads not only to erratic shifts in mood but also a change in behaviour, energy levels and the over all ability to function normally. In severe cases of Bipolar disorder, or if the condition is not diagnosed the individual will have difficulty sustaining normal relationships among both family and friends, keep a regular job etc. Unfortunately, Bipolar disorder is difficult to diagnose because the symptoms may be mistaken for some other problem or not considered serious enough. These symptoms can range from mild to severe and observation of these symptoms by family, friends and healthcare professionals, as well as self reports will help in clinical diagnosis. Symptoms of Bipolar disorder are in conjunction with the ‘mood episode’ the person is experiencing. If the person is in a manic state, he or she is experiencing an extreme form of happiness. In a depressive episode, the person is in an extremely sad and hopeless state. Sometimes a person with a Bipolar disorder experiences a mixed episode where there are symptoms of both mania and depression. During a manic episode, Bipolar disorder symptoms include extreme cheerfulness and optimism, euphoria, inflated sense of self esteem, increased irritability etc. The individual displays other bipolar disorder symptoms like taking very fast while jumping from one topic to the other, low attention and concentration leading to easy distractibility, decreased sleep, increased impulsiveness and high-risk behaviours, reduced judgment, aggressive behaviours, substance abuse using alcohol and even some other stimulants., In severe cases of mania, Bipolar disorder symptoms may also include psychotic symptoms like hallucinations and delusions (of grandeur and fame) which may lead them to believe they are the ‘chosen one’ or on a special mission. Bipolar disorder symptoms experienced during a depressive episode are the opposite of mania. The person experiences an extended period of worry or feeling low, negativity and pessimism, extremely low self-esteem and sense of self-worth, lethargy, a feeling of constant tiredness, difficulty concentrating and remembering things, inability to make decisions, increased restlessness and irritability, an increase or decrease in sleep, changing eating habits, etc. Severe cases of depressive episodes are often linked with psychotic symptoms along with suicidal ideations. In case of a mixed episode, Bipolar disorder symptoms include a combination of symptoms such as agitation, aggressiveness, fatigue, impulsiveness, suicidal ideation, rapid speech, racing thoughts, etc.