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Bipolar Disorder Symptoms
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Bipolar Disorder Symptoms
By
Tim F Clark Bipolar disorder's primary symptoms are unpredictable, severe
mood swings. An individual suffering from the bipolar disorder
experiences episodes that subject him/her to mood swings between
severe mania and depression (most times with periods of normal
moods in between). He/she may be more prone to mania or
depression, or experience both extremes in equal frequency. This
article enumerates the more prevalent symptoms of bipolar
disorder and how to recognize them. |
An episode of mania is marked by several distinctive symptoms.
The most common signs of mania include increased energy,
happiness, and restlessness. Individuals suffering from bipolar
disorder may display a lasting euphoria that is unusual for
them, which is a sure sign to those around them that something
isn't right. They may also experience thinking and talking very
quickly, often jumping from one topic to another. They also
requires little sleep to keep up their energy levels during the
day.
During a manic phase, individuals may display unrealistic belief
in their own abilities and powers. This may result in poor
judgment and decision-making - some individuals may indulge in
spending sprees and other reckless social behavior. These
individuals may also have difficult times while at work, as they
are often extremely irritable and distractable. They also find
it hard to concentrate on their work. These are notable symptoms
of bipolar disorder.
Other symptoms of bipolar disorder's manic phase includes an
increased sexual drive. The feelings of grandeur and
invincibility may also lead the sufferer to abuse drugs
(particularly cocaine), alcohol, and sleeping medications. And
for all the trouble they may potentially cause, they may deny
that anything is wrong, or insist that they are not in fact
suffering from a major psychological illness.
Conversely, an individual with bipolar disorder going through a
depressive phase experiences lasting sadness, emptiness,
anxiousness, or despair. They are often overly pessimistic, and
have unbiased thoughts of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness.
These negative feelings almost certainly result in loss of
interest or pleasure in activities the sufferer may have once
enjoyed, such as sex.
During a depressive phase, the individual may either sleep too
much or not at all. This results in decreased energy levels
during the day. While at work, the person has difficulty
concentrating, remembering, and making decisions, resulting in
an inefficiency unusual to the individual. They may also be
restless or irritable, and may experience chronic pain,
discomfort, and other bodily symptoms with seemingly no known
causes. These symptoms of bipolar disorder should cause an alarm
to those around the individual.
Perhaps the most dangerous symptom of a depressive phase entails
thoughts of suicide. A high rate of individuals suffering from
bipolar disorder die due to self-inflicted causes, and often the
condition is not recognized until it is too late for the
individual. It is imperative that anyone who displays any of the
symptoms of bipolar disorder enumerated above be checked by a
professional on the condition. The prompt and early treatment of
this disorder will prevent any harm to patients and those around
them.
More information on
bipolar disorder symptoms can be found here.
Tim Clark writes various health related articles, most of them on his website on bipolar disorder. His other articles can be found here, bipolar disorder articles.
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