What is Bipolar? Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

What is bipolar? Bipolar disorder affects 5.7 million adults in the United States, which accounts for about 2.6% of the adult population. The average age onset of the disease is 25 years, but it can begin as early as childhood and as late as 40’s and 50’s. Women and men suffer from the disorder equally, and it is found among all races, and all social and ethnic classes.

The Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

An individual suffering from bipolar disorder will experience extreme mood shifts. These shifts are: depression and mania.

Depression Symptoms include:

Feeling anxious
Feelings of emptiness, unworthiness, guilt
Inability to experience pleasure
No longer interested in social activities with friends and family
Inability to sleep – or sleeping too much
Eating too much or too little, resulting in weight loss or weight gain
Inability to focus and concentrate
Thoughts of suicide and death

Mania Symptoms include:

Euphoria
Extremely high energy
Impatience and irritability
Racing thoughts
Need for sleep greatly decreased
Feelings of being powerful
Talking erratically

Diagnosing Bipolar Disorder

An individual who is concerned that they might have bipolar disorder should make an appointment with their doctor. The best first step is to keep a journal/log of daily events including mood shifts, food and drink, social activities, sleep habits, etc.

The individual’s doctor will administer a bipolar test. There aren’t any blood tests or scans to diagnose bipolar disorder. The doctor will perform a physical exam to exclude any other ailment, and then they will ask the patient to keep a mood chart. They will ask them questions, and also ask family and friends questions about the individual’s behavior (if approved by the patient). The patient will then be assessed using the criteria set out in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders for an accurate diagnosis.

Bipolar Disorder Treatment Options

Treatment for bipolar disorder includes group therapy, individual therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, medications, supportive care, and specialists. It’s important for people who suffer from bipolar disorder to realize that help and support is available.

To learn more about bipolar disorder, visit BPHope.com today. This online magazine has dozens of articles related to specific bipolar disorder topics such as What is Bipolar? Treatments, Symptoms, Kids, Handling Relationships, Research, and an online forum to help individuals get the love and support they need from others who are managing similar issues.

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