What is Bipolar Disorder and How Does It Affect You?

This complex mental illness manifests itself in many ways. The following are the most typical:

Bipolar I is the most common type, sometimes called manic depression. Patients often switch between full-blown mania and depression, resulting in severe behavioral changes. Some people experience these two symptoms together.

Mania or sadness sometimes progresses to psychosis, which is characterized by hallucinations or delusions and disintegration with reality.

Bipolar II is a less severe and more prevalent form of the disease. Hypomania, a minor form of mania, alternates with depression spells. Hypomanics can work very hard and work well at times.

Bipolar disorder can often be treated with medication and psychotherapy once it is diagnosed. However, the warning signs of bipolar disorder are often misdiagnosed as severe depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), drug-induced hypersensitivity, or normal mood.

According to DBSA data, only one in four will be diagnosed within three years.

The first step in treating  bipolar disorder is to identify the symptoms of mania and depression.

Here are some things to look for:

6 mania warning signs

1. A state of mind that is unusually happy, extroverted, or angry

Some people experience ecstasy during manic periods, while others constantly gossip and acquire a hair-raising nature. What is remarkable is that their mood is not normal.

2. Fast and racing ideas

A person who is in a state of mania can easily become distracted along with talking fast and rushing between thoughts, so mania is sometimes mistaken for ADHD.

'Unfortunately, stimulants are the most common treatment for ADHD, and they can cause severe symptoms in people with bipolar disorder,' Lost said.

Mental health professionals examine how behavior changes to avoid misdiagnosis of ADHD: Adult ADHD usually begins in childhood, while bipolar disorder is episodic.

3. Infinite power

The high energy of the manic phase usually leads to rushing and taking new initiatives, which is not always a good idea. According to Dr. Gallinker, if the patient is easily distracted, he or she will jump into other tasks.

4. Self-destructive and abrupt behavior

Dr. Galinker believes that high costs, extramarital affairs, and risky investments can all be symptoms of bipolar disorder and are part of a broader range of symptoms.

5. Sleep requirements are reduced

Sleeping only a few hours each night is a sign of bipolar disorder as well as sadness or anxiety. How to tell the difference between the two?

'People with insomnia usually get tired during the day,' explains Elizabeth Brondo, a professor of psychology at St. John's University. A person may never get tired in a manic episode.

6. Overconfidence in one’s abilities

In a state of mania, you may have an exaggerated sense of your power, wisdom, or importance, for example believing that you have a special relationship with God.

'It's an invincible and infallible feeling,' Dr. Galinker explained.

4 Depression warning signs

1. A sad, empty or helpless mood

According to Brondo, many people with bipolar disorder spend most of their time frustrated. This vague perspective prevents people from taking an interest in or enjoying their lives.

2. Persistent feeling of lack of energy and fatigue

This stage, in contrast to the rapid energy of mania, causes a person to feel full of energy and motivation. Even the most basic tasks like getting out of bed can seem overwhelming.

'A depressed person cannot work and cannot complete the tasks at hand,' Brondolo explained. As a result, performance often suffers at home, at work, and at school.

3. Decreased ability to think clearly

When manic, the same mind that moves from concept to thought becomes stagnant, making it difficult for the patient to remember things and make decisions.

According to Brondo, depression can be a major barrier to vision and attention.

4. Suicidal thoughts and actions

Depression often leads to thinking about past mistakes, especially those done when manic.

“When things get so awful, you may feel like you have run out of options to get out of the situation,” Dr. Galinker explained.

Suicidal ideation may occur during this time. In addition, the risk of taking action against them without medical help is high. 20% of people with bipolar disorder take their own lives.

Get help

If you or a loved one has multiple warning signs of bipolar disorder, seek help. Make an appointment with a psychiatrist or other mental health professional or ask your primary care physician for a referral.