Signs of bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder can be identified easily if you are around someone who has it, but do not be too sure about their actual diagnosis. The person you think has bipolar disorder may just be having mood swings, especially if he/she is a teenager . Be wary of the following symptoms, however, because bipolar disorder is a serious, dangerous disorder.
One indicator of a depressive episode is going through at least 5 of these symptoms every day for at least 2 weeks:
Both a manic and a hypomanic episode include three or more of these symptoms:
One indicator of a depressive episode is going through at least 5 of these symptoms every day for at least 2 weeks:
- Fatigue
- Feelings of guilt, hopelessness, or worthlessness
- Lack of interest and enjoyment
- Difficulty concentrating
- Low energy
- Feeling physically or mentally sluggish
- Insomnia
- Change in appetite
- Thoughts of suicide
Both a manic and a hypomanic episode include three or more of these symptoms:
- Abnormally upbeat, jumpy or wired
- Increased activity, energy or agitation
- Exaggerated sense of well-being and self-confidence (euphoria)
- Decreased need for sleep
- Unusual talkativeness
- Racing thoughts
- Distractibility
- Poor decision-making — for example, going on buying sprees, taking sexual risks or making foolish investments
Prevention of Bipolar Disorder.
The symptoms of bipolar disorder can be prevented. Often, the mood swings can be controlled with medicines, and there are many things you can do for yourself to help manage highs and lows. For example, someone who is aware of the early warning signs of a manic/depressive episode can visit his/her doctor regularly and make sure his/her medicines are working properly.
Avoiding bipolar disorder altogether is not possible for some people because the disease is genetic. However, people with relatively good genes can avoid getting bipolar disorder by avoiding the environmental and social risk factors (some major ones are traumatizing life events and mental stress).
Sources
Avoiding bipolar disorder altogether is not possible for some people because the disease is genetic. However, people with relatively good genes can avoid getting bipolar disorder by avoiding the environmental and social risk factors (some major ones are traumatizing life events and mental stress).
Sources
- Bipolar Disorder - Prevention. (n.d.). Retrieved April 11, 2017, from WebMD at http://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/tc/bipolar-disorder-prevention.
- Mayo Clinic Staff. (2017, February 15). Bipolar Disorder; Symptoms and causes. Retrieved April 11, 2017, from Mayo Clinic at http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bipolar-disorder/symptoms-causes/dxc-20307970.
- WebMD. (2016, July 20). Symptoms of Depression and Mania in Bipolar Disorder. Retrieved April 26, 2017, from http://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/guide/depression-symptoms#1