Recognizing The Initial Symptoms of Bipolar
Although there are over two million Americans suffering from bipolar disorder, most of them are unaware that their condition exists. Generally, the symptoms start to manifest during adolescence, and can be triggered at any time. Fortunately this brain disorder, also known as manic depression, is entirely treatable. The trick is to recognize the initial symptoms of bipolar early in order to achieve proper diagnosis and treatment.
If someone you know or love has bipolar disorder, then you already know the effect it has on their daily lives. People suffering with bipolar disorder are not always down and depressed. The very nature of bipolar, which means “two”, is that moods can swing from extremely high to extremely low in the blink of an eye. These mood swings can be difficult to recognize.
Reoccurrence of the illness is highly likely, affecting a person for the entire course of his or her life. Successful lifetime treatment is therefore best achieved through building and maintaining a strong support group. However, the very first step in achieving successful results in the future is being able to spot the initial symptoms of bipolar disorder.
How to determine a manic episode.
The most distinguishing factor is an increased level of energy and euphoric mood. These behavioral characteristics are very evident and easily noticed. Other signs include hypersexuality (increased sex drive), spending sprees, loss of concentration, and super-confident grandiose feelings.
Identifying depression.
Identifying depression can sometimes be tricky, or be simply misinterpreted as a bad day. A very obvious sign of depression is an anxious or a sad mood over an extended period of time. Another is lack of motivation or interest in things which would normally be enjoyed by the person, including sex, hobbies and social activities.
Psychotic symptoms
Mood swings associated with serious cases of bipolar disorder can progress into psychosis symptoms, which include delusions and hallucinations. Whilst these are easier for others to recognize, the sufferer is often not aware of them.
Mixed States of Bipolar
When a mixed state of a bipolar disorder occurs, the sufferer is simultaneously experiencing both depression and mania. This state can display sleep deficiency, agitation, and appetite changes. Patients with this type of bipolar disorder can become very depressed but still possess a very high energy level.
Morbid Thoughts
Having morbid thoughts is one of the most feared symptoms of bipolar disorder, particular for loved ones and others. Suspecting a patient is having morbid thoughts and contemplating suicide should be acted upon immediately. In cases like this, an emergency call to 911 should be made as a standard preventative measure.
Bear in mind that recognizing the initial symptoms of bipolar is important to reveal the real nature of a person’s condition. Improper diagnosis can lead to a prolonged lifetime of suffering. A patient often seeks advice from professionals when suffering from depression, but they do not disclose their manic episodes. The reason for this is because they feel good, and link those manic phases with normalcy and happiness.
In recent times, research and study has heightened awareness of the disease. More and more people are getting an education into recognizing initial symptoms of a bipolar disorder. Guidance and information is readily available through resources such as reputable websites and local mental health clinics.
We are fortunate in this day and age that the debilitating nature of the disorder can be halted by spotting the initial symptoms of bipolar early, and patients can lead productive and healthy lives.
