Bipolar Disorder: Symptoms and Diagnosis
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Bipolar Disorder: Symptoms and Diagnosis
Bipolar disorder is an illness that needs professional diagnosis and treatment. Currently there are no laboratory tests used to diagnose bipolar disorder. Instead, your health professional notes your symptoms, environmental factors, and family history when diagnosing the illness.
Bipolar disorder cannot be self-diagnosed or treated. While there are several sites that offer online assessments, these questionnaires are only worksheets that help you catalog your symptoms if you decide to pursue professional care. Symptoms of both phases of the illness, mania and depression, are equally important. Either phase can escalate into a life-threatening situation.
Symptoms of bipolar disorder include severe mania, hypomania, depression (“the blues”), and severe depression. Some symptoms are common to all stages of the illness. In addition, in the case of mixed bipolar disorder, the individual may display both manic symptoms and depressive symptoms at the same time.
Symptoms of Severe Mania
- Hallucinations, though uncommon, may occur in the most severe form of Bipolar Disorder, Bipolar Disorder I.
- Grandiose delusions are an extreme symptom where the individual believes he or she has special powers or position (ex. belief you have x-ray vision or that you are the president.
- An exaggerated increase in physical energy or mental activity
- Excessive irritability that leads to aggression. Aggression may be directed to objects, other individuals or self.
- Impaired judgment that leads to recklessness
- Euphoria
- Sleeplessness
- Any symptoms associated with hypomania
Symptoms of Hypomania
- Overly self-confident
- Exaggerated optimism
- Overly irritable
- You need less sleep
- Unusually talkative
- Racing thoughts and ideas
- Inability to concentrate
- Distractibility
- Impulsiveness
- Increased sexual appetite
Symptoms of The Blues
- Cheerlessness
- Unexplained crying spells
- Changes in appetite
- Altered sleep patterns
- Decrease in energy
- Feelings of guilt
- Lowered self esteem
- Pessimism
- Indifference
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Anger
- Anxiety
- Loss of energy
- Inability to concentrate
- Indecisiveness
- Social withdrawal
- Decreased sexual appetite
- Unexplained aches and pains
Symptoms of Severe Depression
- Any symptoms associated with “The blues”
- Chronic Fatigue
- Persistent lethargy
- Recurring thoughts of death or suicide
Symptoms of Suicidal Intentions
Any symptom of suicide is serious and an indicator that the individual needs immediate professional attention. If you are feeling suicidal or believe a loves one is in danger call a medical professional, hospital emergency room or 911. Do not leave a suicidal person alone!
- Talk about feeling suicidal or wanting to die
- Feelings of hopeless
- Feelings of helpless or indifference
- Feelings of worthlessness
- Alcohol or drug abuse
- Suddenness in “putting ones affairs in order” such as giving away heirlooms in preparation for death)
- Writing a suicide note
- Putting oneself in harm's way
The highs (mania) and lows (depression) of bipolar disorder can be severe and abrupt. They can change suddenly from euphoria to despondency. Either end of the spectrum is life threatening. Mania often leads to reckless behaviors and depression may lead to suicide. Hypomania and “The Blues” can rapidly turn into severe mania or depression.
Bipolar disorder is diagnosed when these symptoms are prolonged or when they reoccur frequently. However, if these symptoms are interfering with your life, get a professional assessment from a psychiatric professional. If you witness these symptoms in a loved one, encourage them to do the same!
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