Diagnosing Bipolar Disorder

United States
July 26, 2009 12:49am CST
This is meant only as a general guide to give information on the disease. If you think you have bipolar disorder you should talk to your psychologist or other expert. You should not diagnose yourself without backing it up with a professional opinion. Bipolar disorder is characterized by it's mood swings. Those with this disorder experience periods of depression and mania. Symptoms of depression include lack of interest in things you usually enjoy, changes in sleeping and eating habits, crying spells and lack of motivation. Mania is the complete opposite side of the spectrum. Mania is a period of extreme euphoria characterized by making irrational decisions, spending large amounts of money, delusions of grandeur, little or no need for sleep and excess energy. If you think you might have bipolar disorder you should speak to a health professional who can properly diagnose you and administer medications if necessary.
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1 response
cbeee3
@cbeee3 (2061)
• India
26 Jul 09
Hi carrie, Its good that you have put up this topic to discuss. I don't have Bipolar disorder myself, but a friend of mine does. He is much younger than me.More like my little brother. When he started having these mood swings, his parents were under the impression that he was just being a painful,hard to handle teen.But finally they did come to realize that it was much more than that and he did have a genuine problem. I am glad they got him help when he needed it the most. Not everyone understands it and people can sometimes be very rude with ones suffering from it. I am glad you took a step in letting people know. Thanks!
carrie1390
@carrie1390 (157)
• United States
26 Jul 09
It can be really hard. A lot of people treat you like you can control your mood swings, but it's not really that simple. It takes a lot of work and practice. Controlling your moods when you're bipolar isn't as simple as it is for everyone else. I'm glad that your friend is getting help. Just try to be understanding when he does of say things that are upsetting. Being friends with someone who is bipolar means having the ability to forgive over and over again.
1 person likes this
cbeee3
@cbeee3 (2061)
• India
27 Jul 09
Thanks for accepting the request.I know I can't do much sitting in front of a screen in another part of the world, but if ever you need to vent.PM me I am a good listener and like I said I don't judge. I am glad you have good friends like that.God bless them and you. As long as you have learnt to cope, that is all that matters hon.
carrie1390
@carrie1390 (157)
• United States
27 Jul 09
Thank you, I find that not everyone is so understanding. A lot of people treat me like a leper. I chose to be open about my disease (well except to employers that can be bad) because I would rather be accepted for what I am than pretend to be something I'm not.
1 person likes this