Knowing How To Spot Bipolar Disorder Is The First Step To Treating It

There are people dealing with different forms of mental illness in all facets of society. Although there is still a stigma attached to the variety of illnesses, what needs to be understood is that it really does involve the brain not working correctly. Bipolar disorder can be hard to see in people initially, especially if you don't know the signs. Basically what is going on when someone is suffering from Bipolar disorder is extreme ups and downs of mood. To understand the signs means that it will be much easier to understand what is happening.

Times of extreme elation are a sign that there may be a problem. While most individuals stay on a relatively even keel for the most part, those who are suffering from bipolar disorder have periods of highs. These highs are usually known as the mania phase of bipolar disorder and may be associated with a break from reality or may just seem like a normal up period as is the case with those experiencing hypomania. While spending time with someone in this phase is usually enjoyable it is usually followed by a period of extreme down time.

Those with bipolar disorder tend to be easily distracted and therefore they are disorganized and flighty leaving many unfinished projects all around them. Projects seem to be larger than life with a bipolar person but never seem to come to fruition. Periods of severe depression are also associated with this disorder and those who were just happy and dancing about just a few hours ago may now be sleeping and significantly depressed. As a result this depression may be the first symptom that is diagnosed; however, antidepressants don't work well for people with this disorder since they usually will increase the mania. A complete diagnosis is key to helping them get this disorder under control.

Irritability also may result from the flip flopping of moods and as a result this individual may seem moody in between episodes. Everyone has good days and bad ones which is one of the reasons it can be difficult to diagnose bipolar disorder but usually in a person with this illness there mood swings will significantly affect their lives and relationships.

Talking to someone with the disorder can be very difficult. They have so much going on in their brains sometimes that they can't even slow down enough to have a conversation that makes sense. They will talk too fast and often jump from one topic to another. They are usually thinking about things in an uninterrupted sort of stream of consciousness and will relate tidbits here and there that make perfect sense to them, but no one else. All of these symptoms together make life incredibly difficult and can be helped greatly by a variety of treatments.

By: Ethan C Kalvin

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