How To Recognize Bipolar Disorder Symptoms

Bipolar disorder is a complex psychiatric disorder. It affects the neurotransmitters of the brain, causing emotions to short circuit. Bipolar disorder can hibernate for years within the body. Then suddenly bipolar disorder will strike, putting the patient into either a manic stage, or one of unexplained euphoria.

The name that bipolar disorder is often referred to as is manic-depressive disease. Anyone afflicted with this not only suffers himself but also causes suffering to those around him. They need constant care and attention and a support system that can help them handle life easier.

The sad fact is that in the US alone, there are 2 million suffering from this condition. Even sadder is the fact that it goes unrecognized in many. The signs are usually apparent in the teens and then tend to become worse in adulthood. It is a disease that is not curable but it can be treated and managed. The whole issue is about recognizing it and making the right diagnosis.

Having bipolar disorder does not mean a constant state of depression. There are usually swings of emotions and moods between extremes. Sometimes, people around these patients tend to take these highs and lows for granted and ignore them but one must remember that bipolar disorder people can be suicidal and one must take care of them and take any threat seriously.

Let's look at the symptoms of bipolar disorder so one can recognize them. Unless the disease is spotted and treated by a qualified physician, things could get out of hand.

One of the main symptoms is this false euphoria and then a sudden dip to depression. The person is usually very active, cannot stand still, tends to pick a fight and has an increased sexual drive. Now unless this happens on a regular basis at intervals, it could just be a bad hair day. Sometimes, these mood swings can deteriorate to hallucinations and delusions.

Bipolar despression symptoms can include: Sleep disruption- insomnia, or hypersomnia (sleeping too much) Significant changes in body weight Feeling worthless and sad Feeling guilty The inability to feel pleasure or happiness Feeling agitated Withdrawing from those around you The inability to focus and concentrate Periodic loss of short-term memory Indecisiveness Loss of sex drive Constipation Headaches Fatigue

The strange thing about bipolar disorder is that the person goes through both depression and mania. He could be prone to insomnia or have vast changes in his appetite. In spite of everything, his energy levels could be boundless. Sometimes, he sinks into a vast well of morbidity and this is when suicidal thoughts surface and you must be very careful at this time. Ask for help if necessary. You can always call 911 in an emergency.

There is no known cure for bipolar disorder, but there is treatment to lessen the effects. The key to diagnosing and treating bipolar disorder is to recognize the symptoms and get treatment as quickly as possible. All it takes is to be properly acquainted with the symptoms of the disease and getting the right kind of help that is necessary. There are support groups, online help centers and medical experts who can help you manage the disorder. Make use of them if you suspect a loved one is going through the throes of this disorder.