It is Important to Know Bipolar Mood Disorder Symptoms for Early Diagnosis

The mental illness – Bipolar is always known by the name manic depressive illness, manic depression, mania and depression symptoms etc. The name bipolar mood disorder is a new name added to the list already under bipolar. Bipolar mood disorder is the new name better describing the two severe mood swings – of depression and mania.

Those with bipolar mood disorder go through recurrent moods of depression and elevated moods. Both these two moods can be just mild to quite extreme. There are two terms mostly used -'mania' and ‘depression’, to describe the most extreme state of happiness and over activity “mania” and the lows with less or no activities depression. Many people may go through bipolar disorder with only the mania episodes and no depression. It can also be true the other way around.

What Causes Bipolar Mood Disorder?

No one really knows what causes bipolar mood disorder but, it is believed that this mental illness is caused by a few factors combined, these includes- stress, genes, biochemistry and even the different seasons.

Genetic factors

Recent studies on close relatives have identified that children whose parents or members of the family having bipolar are likely to have this mental illness. In other words children of parents with bipolar have a greater risk of taking on the disorder.

The Biochemical factors

It is widely known and believed bipolar mood disorder are linked to a chemical imbalance in the brain which can be controlled by the use of bipolar medication.

Stress

A lot of people have suggested that stress can play a part in stimulating bipolar symptoms, but that may not always be the case. One thing is certain – this mental illness itself causes stressful events (such as divorce or a failed business), which a lot of people blame it on the illness.

Seasons

While we do not know why Mania mostly happens in spring, and depression during winter – it is believed that it may be due to the temperature.

Symptoms of Bipolar Mood Disorder


Mania Symptoms – Elevated mood
• Feeling very, very good with oneself and being invincible.
• Lots of energy with reduced need for sleep.
• Very irritable if people disagree with their unrealistic ideas or plans for example.
• Racing thoughts – their mind are so full of ideas to the point of busting out.
• Spending large sums of money and very high sex libidos.
• Very strong belief that they are talented or gifted. The can even act as if they are a king or a famous film star.
• They can be reckless – they will be angry if someone tells them that.

Depression Symptoms

• Loses interest and pleasure in activities enjoyed before.
• May withdraw and stop seeing friends.
• Avoid social activities.
• Stop doing simple tasks such as shopping and washing.
• Can be overwhelmed by deep sadness.
• Lose their appetite, eventually losing weight.
• Difficulty concentrating.
• Strong feelings of guilt, hopelessness and helplessness.
• Attempt suicide or committing suicide.
• False beliefs (delusions) of persecution or guilt and feel they are evil.

Bipolar Treatment

With the right diagnosis and medication people can live normal lives and manage their household and business commitments. Anyone with symptoms mentioned above must sought medical advice. The golden rule says “early is better than late”.