Bipolar Disorder Information
Test & Diagnosis
Do you go through wild mood changes where you may feel highly positive, or deeply depressed? If so, you may have bipolar disorder. You may have already heard of this illness. It was even more well known by its original name of manic depression. If you are curious as to whether or not you may have this illness, there are several ways that you can tell.
Bipolar disorder, or manic depression, is all about the symptoms. A good way to tell if you have it is to pay close attention to your feelings and your behavior. First, you need to learn more about the illness. The more that you know, the more you will be able to tell if you have it or not. With people with bipolar disorder, it is very rare for them to feel normal. Normal, in this case, means that you may feel happy, or sad, but that these feelings are not extreme and you can get along with your day very easily. Although people with this illness do go through these periods, it doesn't happen nearly as often as it does with people who don't have bipolar disorder.
First, you should look at the manic symptoms. Mania generally includes very extreme feelings of optimism and euphoria. You may have very high self esteem at this time. While these sound good, you should keep in mind that these are so extreme that they will actually interfere with your life, including work and relationships. You may also feel aggressive or agitated, have spending sprees, and have an insatiable sex drive. All of these are symptoms of the manic side to bipolar disorder.
Then, you need to look at the depressive symptoms. When you aren't feeling manic, you will likely be at the opposite side of the spectrum, feeling extreme sadness, anxiety, guilt and hopelessness. You may also have many suicidal thoughts. While everyone goes through a level of depression every once in a while, bipolar depression is very extreme. People suffering from this illness often have a high suicide rate because of this.
Now that you know the manic depressive symptoms to bipolar disorder, you likely have a good idea whether or not you suffer from this illness. If it seems like you do, you should seek help from a professional at once. If you don't get treatment, your condition can only get worse. Keep in mind that it will never go away, either on its own or with help. Bipolar disorder is a lifelong illness. Treatment won't cure the illness, but it will help it become manageable. You will be able to lead a relatively normal and productive life if you get help as soon as possible.
This help can come in many forms. Before a doctor will start treatment, they will first determine whether you have it or not. They do this by giving you a physical exam, performing lab tests, and performing a psychoanalytic exam. Through these tests, if they find that you do have bipolar disorder, they will start a treatment plan. Treatment usually comes in several different forms at once. They include a series of medications as well as ongoing psychotherapy appointments. While this may seem scary or daunting, this treatment is necessary if you want to live a good life.
Since bipolar disorder can be very disruptive and harmful if untreated, it is important to find out if you have it as soon as you can. If you do happen to have it, the sooner you get treatment the better. Although it is a lifelong illness, it doesn't mean that you need to have an unhappy life.
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