Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar Disorder affects many people worldwide, and it is now much more widespread than was previously thought. There are many symptoms of Bipolar Disorder, which range from two stages of Bipolar Disorder, but both types of the disorder will manifests itself in a depressive episode or a hypomanic episode. There are quite a few symptoms of bipolar disorder, which are often misinterpreted as ADHD and other psychological disorders.
The symptoms of bipolar disorder (depression) are mainly, but not restricted to:
- Loss of appetite: People usually suffer from an extreme disinterest in food, even foods which they had with relish before.
- Weight loss or gain: sometimes a patient afflicted with Bipolar Disorder gains or loses a lot of weight which usually depends on the body’s reaction to the hormones in the body which are released in abnormal amounts. This is certainly not exclusive to Bipolar patients, but is one of the symptoms.
- Uncontrollable crying: People suffering from Bipolar disorder are prone to extreme mood swings. They can be happy one moment and crying uncontrollably the next, for seemingly no reason at all. This can be extremely baffling to a bystander or loved on who doesn’t understand the severity of the condition.
- Decreased energy: Bipolar Disorder also often leads to a loss of energy. Energetic people are reduced to lethargic persons with barely any energy to even do simple tasks like lifting and carrying when in Depressive states.
- Irritability: Sufferers become extremely irritable and are liable to snap at the smallest provocation.
- Loss of interest in activities: People usually lose interest in all activities, even hobbies and sports they were into before. This is also because of loss of energy and general lethargy.
- Pessimistic and negative thinking: People with Bipolar Disorder generally think negatively. They are pessimistic and believe things will never be good again. This can lead to suicidal tendencies which have to be watched for and action taken if the patient expresses suicidal thoughts. The patient must be rushed to a doctor in such a case.
Symptoms and characteristics of hypomania include, but are not restricted to:
- Grandiosity: People in this stage are known to feel very good about them and have false sense of grandeur and pride about themselves.
- Decreased need for sleep: In a hypomanic stage, manic depressives are usually highly restive and hyperactive and do not require much sleep to maintain their current levels of activity.
- Distractability: People suffering from Bipolar Disorder are usually highly distracted and cannot concentrate on one task for any particular length of time, with any degree of regularity.
- Racing thoughts: people with Bipolar Disorder in a hypomanic stage usually have racing thoughts, which can lead to rash decisions. This can be particularly dangerous when engaging in sexual activity, or activities like driving etc which can lead to loss of life and injury if not done carefully.
Symptoms of bipolar disorder generally occur in individuals at a very early age, (e.g. in young adulthood). Bipolar Disorder has to be diagnosed from an early age so that proper medication can be given to the patient. With proper medication and therapy, a patient can lead a relatively successful and normal life, with fulfilling careers and relationships.