Content

• Steps
• Advice
• Warning

Bipolar disorder is a potentially serious mental health problem; 2 out of every 100 people are affected. This disorder is characterized by mental and behavioral changes, from mania and extreme excitement to depression. Understanding the symptoms of this disorder can help you work with your healthcare provider to get the best treatment and care you may need. However, keep in mind that only a mental health professional can diagnose bipolar disorder. If you think you or someone you know has bipolar disorder seek medical attention.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Understanding the symptoms

1. 

   
   
   Watch for dramatic changes in mood. Bipolar disorder is believed to cause marked mood swings in affected people. These changes range from mania to depression. The duration and intensity of the changes depend on the severity of the individual disorder. If you notice extreme changes in your mood, you should see your doctor to find out if you have bipolar disorder.
   • Manic state can make you extremely happy, interested in communication, and easily excited.
   • Depression can make you feel depressed, frustrated, and disinterested in things that you normally love.

2. 

   
   
   Pay attention to changes in behavior. Bipolar disorder can cause behavior changes. Behavioral changes are often accompanied by mood changes caused by bipolar disorder.Sometimes the behavioral changes are more pronounced than the mood changes and may indicate a case of bipolar disorder.
   • In a manic state you may speak quickly, have excess energy, feel restless, or act recklessly.
   • In a depressed state, you may feel tired, have difficulty thinking, or even have suicidal thoughts.

3. 

   
   
   Notice how long the mania and depression last. Emotions can change over time or in response to life events, and that's okay. However, changes in mood and behavior that are unrelated to external events and occurring over long periods of time may indicate bipolar disorder. Notice how long the mood swings last, related to life events that made you feel that way.
   • Manic or mixed periods need to last for seven days to be diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
   • Some people may experience a steady mood between episodes of mania or depression.
   • Depression associated with bipolar disorder should last for about two weeks.
   • For cyclothymia, slight fluctuations in mood last for at least two years.

4. 

   Examine your moods and thoughts for symptoms of mania. Mania is a state of excitement that lasts for at least a week, sometimes more. A man in a manic state will feel elated, presumptuous and able to launch massive projects spontaneously. Pay attention to some of the following factors of manic episode to identify a suspected bipolar disorder:
   • Be overly presumptuous (you feel taller than others and / or feel like you have little or no in common with most people and that only a few people understand you. I have supernatural powers or can speak to gods).
   • Has very little need for sleep, feeling well after a few hours of sleep.
   • Has an abnormally talkative appearance.
   • Feeling mad or having thoughts.
   • Set and try to accomplish great goals (believe you have supernatural qualities, be genius, have limitless power, etc.) and can do the impossible. Think you can write 400 pages of a novel in just one day, or get it anything that you want - literally).
   • There are risky behaviors like investing in unpredictable projects.

5. 

   Evaluate your mood and behavior for signs of a depressive episode. One of the signs that can help identify a bipolar disorder is depression. Depression can occur following mania or normal behavior and last for at least two weeks. You can identify a suspected depression episode by looking for in your behaviors or moods that have at least the following five symptoms:
   • Loss of interest in activities that are enjoyed daily.
   • Feeling sad or depressed all day and almost every day.
   • There is hardly any interest in participating in any activities in life.
   • Feeling worthless, guilty, or believing in false thoughts almost every day during times of depression.
   • Having suicidal thoughts or attempts.
   • Weight loss and loss of appetite.
   • Marked restlessness or sluggish actions.
   • Insomnia or sleep all day.
   • Fatigue and loss of energy.

6. 

   
   
   Be aware of different types of bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is often thought to include mania and depression, but there are a number of other symptoms and mixed states that also indicate bipolar disorder. Consider the following types of bipolar disorder and mixed states to identify a suspected bipolar disorder.
   • Type I bipolar disorder is defined by episodes of mania or depression that last for at least seven days. Manic episodes requiring hospitalization are also classified as type I bipolar disorder. Depression can also occur and will last for at least two weeks.
   • Type II bipolar disorder is defined by states of depression or mania. Type II bipolar disorder does not include extreme mania or mixed state.
   • Atypical bipolar disorder (BP-NOS) is the term used to define a case of bipolar disorder that is not of the type I and II bipolar disorder. However, (BP-NOS) is still beyond normal behavior and mood levels.
   • Cyclothymia is a much milder form of bipolar disorder than other types of bipolar disorder. Cyclothymia can cause manic states and mild depression for at least two years.

7. 

   
   
   Make an appointment with your doctor. If you suspect you have bipolar disorder or another mental health issue, make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment of bipolar disorder can increase the effectiveness of treatment and prevent any possible damage to you from the disorder. advertisement

Part 2 of 3: Visiting a doctor

1. 

   
   
   Prepare. Before seeing your doctor, take some time to prepare yourself well for your appointment. Knowing the relevant facts can be very effective as you work with your doctor to determine if you have bipolar disorder.
   • Keep track of your symptoms and be ready to inform your doctor.
   • Any major recent changes in your life should be reported to your doctor.
   • Bring a detailed list of all medications you are currently taking.
   • If the doctor feels you need more support, you will be referred to a psychiatrist for further evaluation.

2. 

   Understand what tests may be required. Your treating doctor or psychiatrist will have to perform standard tests to determine if you have bipolar disorder. These are not invasive tests, but knowing how to prepare can help you work effectively with your doctor for an accurate diagnosis.
   • You may be physically examined and tested. These processes help rule out other health problems that may be causing your symptoms.
   • Your doctor can give you psychological tests. This is a method of assessing your moods, thoughts, feelings and behavior. This is a self-assessment, but you can allow your loved one to participate.
   • The Bipolar Spectrum Diagnostic Scale (Bipolar Spectrum Diagnostic Scale) will introduce questions for which you need to confirm or disagree. If a description matches you, you will be prompted to check it next to it. Your doctor can evaluate your condition based on this self-assessment.

3. 

   Ready to complete the mood chart. Your doctor can give you a chart for you to go home to fill out. This chart allows you to record daily moods over a period of time that your doctor decides to examine. The mood chart will help your doctor know which trends in your mood indicate bipolar disorder.
   • You will record any mood changes you notice each day.
   • You can also record sleep patterns and schedules.
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Part 3 of 3: Prepare for your treatment

1. 

   Take prescription medications. If you are diagnosed with bipolar disorder, you may be prescribed medication by your doctor. These medications will help control symptoms and keep both mood and behavior in balance. Correct use of the drug is key to ensuring the best possible effectiveness.
   • Mood stabilizers are given to patients with bipolar disorder.
   • Atypical antipsychotics can help relieve psychotic symptoms.
   • If you are depressed from bipolar disorder, you may be given antidepressants.

2. 

   Attend psychotherapy sessions. Working with a therapist or therapist can help you manage and understand your psychological disorder. Psychotherapy can also help you recover faster, while staying balanced and healthy for a longer period of time.
   • Cognitive behavioral therapy can help you deal with negative behaviors and thoughts that stem from bipolar disorder.
   • Family-focused therapy can guide you and your family on how best to meet your needs.
   • Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy can help you maintain healthy relationships and life schedules.
   • A psychologist or counselor will provide guidance that can help you deal with bipolar disorder.

3. 

   Consider complementary therapies. If the standard treatments are not effective, the healthcare provider may recommend additional therapies. These methods can control symptoms stemming from bipolar disorder and help you return to a healthy mental state.
   • Electric shock therapy can help stabilize your mood.
   • If you have trouble sleeping, your doctor may prescribe a sleep aid or a sleeping pill.
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Advice

• If you suspect you have bipolar disorder, make an appointment with your healthcare provider to learn more.
• If you are prescribed a medication for bipolar disorder, always use it exactly as directed. Talk to your doctor before changing anything.
• The earlier you treat your symptoms, the easier it is for you to maintain control.

Warning

• Do not ignore any potential mental health problems. Always tell your healthcare provider if you suspect you have a mental health problem.