Recognizing the Symptoms of Bipolar
Disorder And Getting Proper Treatment
Can Help Save Your Health
Bipolar Disorder is a brain disorder that can be treated. It manifests as extreme mood and disposition shifts. A
time of very intense mania will be followed by a time of severe depression.
Then there may be a time of normalcy before the next cycle. Although some people have times of normalcy, still
others with Bipolar Disorder cannot concentrate, function, or lead productive, normal lives at all.
People who suffer from episodes of severe depression and severe hypomania are termed as having Bipolar II
Disorder. More women than men receive this diagnosis. Many people may have Bipolar Disorder and not know it. At
this time, it is estimated that more than two-million Americans experience some form of Bipolar Disorder.
The majority of people with Bipolar Disorder report that the onset occurred during the late teen and early adult
years; however, the onset could occur at any time. Luckily, treatment for Bipolar Disorder is possible; however, it
must be maintained if success is to be lasting. The first step toward the correct diagnosis and treatment is
recognizing the symptoms. This is very important.
In the manic phase of Bipolar Disorder, the patient may experience sleeplessness, irrational thinking, euphoria,
aggression, lack of concentration, irritability, restlessness, and high energy levels.
When in the depressive phase, a person with Bipolar Disorder may feel agitated,
pessimistic, helpless, guilty and sad. The person may also lose or gain weight, experience sleep disturbances, and
lose interest in living. When a sufferer experiences persistent depression, suicidal ideations may ensue.
It is very important that the symptoms of Bipolar Disorder be recognized. Many people with Bipolar Disorder
receive a misdiagnosis, which hampers treatment. There are those who have Bipolar Disorder who simply view their
extreme mood shifts as the normal ups and downs of living and do not seek help.
While they might try to find help while depressed, they do not normally seek help during a manic phase as this
is associated with euphoria. The general public has become fairly well educated regarding Bipolar Disorder &
Bipolar Disorder II, thanks to media attention.
Both the medical community and the community at large have become more aware of the diagnoses of both of these
forms of Bipolar Disorder. Today, there are many good resources online and in print for people who have Bipolar
Disorder or think they or a loved one may have Bipolar Disorder. These are good resources to turn to.
People who feel they may have Bipolar Disorder should consult a doctor. When properly treated, people with
Bipolar Disorder can have productive and healthy lives.