According to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly six million American adults struggle with bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder accounts for about a third of all depressive disorders in the US. It is a difficult condition to live with and more than half of people with bipolar disorder also have a substance use issue. The condition is characterized by both depressive moods and manic moods, which is why it used to be called “manic depression.” Unfortunately, it is also difficult to diagnose. It takes an average of ten years to correctly diagnose bipolar disorder, which means many people suffer for years without the proper treatment. Here’s how to identify bipolar disorder.
Depressive episodes
The reason bipolar disorder is so hard to diagnose is that it typically looks like depression. You may feel persistently sad, fatigued, or irritable. You may have trouble sleeping or sleep too much. Your movements may be slow and you may have trouble concentrating. You may no longer enjoy things you used to enjoy and you might be unable to experience pleasure. Thoughts of death or suicide are also common. When these symptoms persist for a while, you may see a doctor or therapist who will most likely diagnose depression.
Manic episodes
Manic episodes are what distinguish bipolar from depression. Usually, people don’t seek medical help for manic episodes, although intense manic episodes may result in hospitalization. Manic episodes may be characterized by extreme optimism, delusions of grandeur or persecution, little need for sleep, lots of energy, hallucinations, rapid talking, poor judgment, and excessive risk-taking. When someone is in the grip of an intense manic episode, it’s clear something is wrong. However, many people with bipolar disorder experience milder hypomanic episodes. These can sometimes feel like a relief from depressive symptoms and not necessarily a swing to the other extreme. These are usually characterized by improved mood, more energy, and less need for sleep. Manic episodes are typically shorter than depressive episodes, which may make them harder to spot. People typically don’t switch back and forth between depression and mania or hypomania very quickly. Episodes typically last weeks or months. However, some people with bipolar disorder have mixed symptoms of depression and mania. It’s important to tell your doctor or therapist about possible manic or hypomanic episodes in order to get the best treatment. Also, be sure to mention if someone in your family has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, since there appears to be a genetic element.
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