The Signs And Symptoms Of Bipolar Disorder Everyone Should Know

Bipolar disorder is much more common than a lot of us care to admit but quite unfortunately, not very many people know much about it. Bipolar disorder is also known as manic-depressive disorder. It is a treatable mental illness that is characterised by extreme shifts in mood, energy, thought, and behaviour.

There are basically four types of bipolar disorder: Bipolar I Disorder is defined by severe manic episodes that last at least 7 days and depressive episodes lasting at least 2 weeks; bipolar II disorder, in which a person has a pattern of depressive and hypomanic episodes, but no full-blown manic episodes.

The third classification is cyclothymic disorder, which is characterized by numerous periods of hypomanic and depressive symptoms lasting for at least 2 years, and the fourth is unspecified bipolar disorder, which is defined by symptoms that do not match the other three types.

One of the reasons why it is important for everyone to be better informed about bipolar disorder is that statistics show that about 15 percent of people with it take their own lives.

Furthermore, every type of bipolar disorder is characterized by extreme, sometimes debilitating mood changes, ranging from periods of elated highs to sad, hopeless lows. These mood swings can last for weeks or even months.

Signs Of Bipolar Disorder
Signs usually emerge in adolescence or early adulthood and continue throughout life. As much as 80 percent of patients experience multiple manic episodes, while about 15 percent of people with bipolar disorder take their own lives.

Fortunately, bipolar disorder is treatable with intervention which usually consists of a combination of drugs and talk therapy to help manage the illness. If you or a loved one exhibit any of the signs and symptoms below, the best thing to do is to seek professional help so you can talk about what you’re going through.

History of Depression
One of the greatest difficulties in diagnosing bipolar disorder is differentiating it from lesser form of depression. That’s because people sufferers spend half to one-third of the time in a depressed state.

Unlike people with depression, people with bipolar disorder will also experience periods of mania, or extreme “highs.” However, people who suffer depression before the age of 25 have a higher likelihood of exhibiting symptoms of bipolar disorder later on in Life.

Sudden Feeling Of Hyperactivity
During a hypomanic episode, people can be highly productive and creative. People in a hypomanic state have their whole nervous system revved up, and that can incite boundless energy and ambition.
During a hypomanic episode, it is common for people to have rapid speech and racing thoughts that don’t quite connect.

This may sometimes lead to them becoming extremely goal-oriented. But while this productivity might be satisfying in the short term, these manic episodes can be debilitating and even result in hospitalization.
Such episodes may cause sufferers to be inclined to drive faster, be sexually reckless, and seek out thrills.

A Reduced Need For Sleep
One of the hallmarks of being hypomanic is not insomnia, but a decreased need for sleep. When someone suddenly goes from sleeping six to eight hours a night and then their need for sleep goes down radically, that’s a bad sign.

This is because despite the fact that they may feel fine physically, that lack of sleep destabilizes their mood
If you have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, it’s crucial to maintain good sleep hygiene by regularly getting six to eight hours of sleep every night.

Adventurous Behaviour
The physiological shift in the nervous system from a hypomanic or manic state can often bring on a sense of invincibility and inflated self-esteem. This can suddenly make a sufferer become inclined to drive faster, be sexually reckless, and seek out thrills that are uncharacteristic of their normal behaviour.

Alcohol and drug abuse
It is estimated that 60 percent of people who suffer from bipolar disorder have substance abuse issues, which often exacerbate symptoms. Sufferers crave the highs of mania, and alcohol and drugs can help re-create that feeling.

If you find out that you have some all of the signs and symptoms described or other forms of mental illness, please seek professional help a soon as possible.

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