Originally Posted by cramble
I guess I am just wondering how do you know when you have it? Just anything from anybody would be great. Thanks so much
Unfortunately, more often than not, you don't know unless someone happens to diagnose you. It's one of those disorders which initially people have very little insight to--specifically the manics. Often times it take multiple inpatient admissions before the bipolar pt. comes to terms with their disorder; unlike schizos and depression. When the bipolar patient is manic, they feel energetic, euphoric; indestructible, which is one of the reasons why it's so difficult for them to be compliant with their med regimen. They don't want to feel less energetic. Meanwhile, over the course of time, their brain is being damaged.
If you are wanting specific signs/symptoms of someone who is bipolar, there are seemingly unlimited possibilities. Also bear in mind that while it's easy to tell if someone is depressed or manic, they often share some of the same symptoms. Also, just because someone has some of these symptoms doesn't mean they are bipolar; otherwise everyone could be diagnosed as a bipolar at one point in their life or another.
Some examples of signs/symptoms could include: decrease in sleep; change in appetite; impaired judgement; increased irritability; agitation; hyperverbal; disorganized speech; increased energy; impulsive in spending and other life decisions which can include self harm attempts; increased sexual activity; many psychotic symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, and even catatonia; flat affect; suicidal ideations; increase in drug/EtOH use; and many many others.
Would you like to comment?
