Recognizing and Understanding Bipolar Disorder Symptoms

All of us have moods from time to time. Our moods usually do not disrupt our lives that much. But for people who have bipolar disorder symptoms this fact does not hold true. These people can have drastic mood swings that can affect their lives drastically. If you are showing signs of having bipolar disorder symptoms, read on for more information.

What exactly is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a condition in which the patient has large mood swings from very high to very low depressive moods. They can alternate between moods quickly but they do have normal periods of time too where no bipolar symptoms are exhibited. The very high moods are considered mania the very low moods are called depression or it can be a mixed episode.

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

There are basically 4 kinds of moods that can be symptoms of bipolar disorder. The first kind of mood is mania, which can be a feeling of euphoria, heightened creativity, or extra energy. When people go through this stage they can appear hyperactive, talk very fast, and sleep only for short spells. During mania or manic spells, people may feel they can do anything. If this gets out of control (which it often does) they may do reckless activities such as gambling all their money away, having wild sexual trysts, or other such behavior. Other bipolar disorder symptoms with mania can be anger, irritability, aggressiveness, and wanting to fight.

Hypomania is a not so extreme stage of mania same basic symptoms just not as strong though. This stage does not suffer delusions though.

Depression in bipolar disorder is a bit like regular serious depression except for a few things. One thing is the addition of the person having very little energy. They may also speak rather slow and move with little speed, and they sleep quite a bit. They can also lose all touch with reality when their depression turns psychotic. These episodes can make people feel very empty inside even to the point of contemplating suicide. Mixed episodes are just that a mixture of the mania and depression symptoms.

Types of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar I Disorder is a mixture of the bipolar symptoms of mania and depression. Bipolar II Disorder is a combination of the symptoms of bipolar in hypomania and depression.

Cyclothymia is a combo of mild depression and hypomania. While Rapid cycling includes all types of symptoms: mania, depression, and hypomania.

Triggers of Bipolar Disorder

Some things that can set off episodes of this disorder are stress or emotional type trauma, any major life happening, abusing alcohol or other drugs, certain medications especially antidepressants, the changing of the seasons, and lack of sleep. As you can see, there are many things that can set this disorder off.

Conclusion

Trying to have a life with an untreated form of bipolar disorder will usually not be possible. This disorder can disrupt all areas of your life. Treatments can vary depending on which type of bipolar you are suffering from. But there are successful treatments to make your life easier. So do not suffer from symptoms of bipolar disorder go to the doctor and ask for help!