Can You Spot the Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder?

Without proper treatment, bipolar disorder can be a life-threatening condition. People with bipolar disorder are more likely to commit suicide than the general population. It’s essential that individuals know what to look for when it comes to the symptoms for bipolar disorder, as it may be present in their parents, their children and themselves. A parent with bipolar disorder has a 15-30% higher chance of their children having bipolar disorder, and if both parents have the disorder than the risk jumps to a whopping 50-75%.

Brain disorders can be difficult to diagnose, as there are a range of reasons why a person may act one way or another. Hormones, work and home stress, lack of sleep all can affect someone’s mood patterns. It’s important to note that bipolar disorder is both sides of the coin. It’s the highs and the lows of one person’s moods. But being a little down or being in a good mood is much different from the depressive and euphoric states experienced by someone with bipolar disorder.

Hypomania is a good mood gone awry. Although it can make the person feel like they are on cloud 9, and, if even for a little while can provide them with enough energy to pursue creative tasks and possibly complete them, ultimately they lose the state before most of those tasks are completed. One of the hallmarks of someone who potentially has bipolar disorder is a house that is filled with unrealistic, grandiose tasks that are begging to be completed, but never are. One of the symptoms of bipolar is being easily distractible and flitting from one creative pursuit to another.

Depression is another one of many bipolar symptoms that can leave the sufferer feeling alone and even suicidal. A person with bipolar disorder going through a depressive state will look very similar to someone going through a regular state of depression. Similarities include loss of energy, changes in appetite, changes in sleep patterns (sleeping too much), and inability to focus. Generally, antidepressants don’t work well on people with bipolar disorder and may even do them further harm by catapulting them into a manic state.

In addition to euphoria and depression, there are several other symptoms for bipolar to watch out for in the people you love. Check out BPHope.com for a full list of bipolar symptoms, but best of all, you’ll find techniques for better living and articles by knowledgeable people who have lived the life of bipolar and speak from the heart, mind and soul.

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