Do You Know the Signs of Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder that affects roughly 2.6% of the American adult population. Although it isn’t terribly uncommon, it does need to be clinically diagnosed by a physician. Many other issues can mimic bipolar disorder, and that’s part of the reason why it’s important to first consult a physician. Some of these conditions include hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, schizophrenia, depression, alcohol, drug or other substance abuse, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

The signs of bipolar vary because of the fact that the condition involves both “highs” and “lows.” While someone with bipolar disorder can experience an episode with mixed features (both manic and depressive), usually the two are separated. The signs of bipolar are:

Depression side:

Very little energy
Sleeping too little or too much
Trouble concentrating
Thoughts of death and suicide
Forgetfulness
No enjoyment
Feeling hopeless/sad
Worried
Eating too much or too little
Fatigue

Manic side:

Euphoria
More active than usual
Attempting to do many things at once
Behaving recklessly
Agitation
Increased activity levels
Lots of energy
Thinking and talking very quickly
Trouble sleeping

If you feel as though you might be suffering from bipolar disorder, set up an appointment with your doctor. Start keeping a mood chart with notes on it regarding your habits like eating, exercising, as well as mood fluctuations and the events that might have caused them. This chart will be helpful to your doctor in making his diagnosis.

At BPHope.com, you’ll find a number of interesting and informative articles about bipolar disorder and the signs bipolar. These articles are well-written, thoughtful and communicative about the illness and offer productive and meaningful ways in coping in relationships and managing treatments. They also offer a community forum where people can talk openly about the issues that are personal to them. At BPHope.com, they offer hope and harmony for individuals who are suffering from bipolar disorder. This “light at the end of the tunnel” serves as a great resource for people suffering from the disorder, as well as their families and friends.

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