I have a friend who's just recently moved
to my area. We've become fast friends and
care for each other tremendously. He's
recently shared that he was diagnosed with
bipolarism a few years ago. The stories
he shares are emotional and sometimes
frightening. I was just curious if anyone
could give me a list of symptoms, and
things to do to help myself understand his
condition. I hope to hear from someone
soon!
Bipolar disorder is severe psychotic
disorder which includes episodes of
depression and episodes of mania (or
hypomania). Between psychotic episodes
there are usually periods with normal
mood. Sometimes there may be no normal
periods at all but manic and depressive
episodes rapidly alternate. In other cases
there are mixed episodes in which symptoms
of both mania and depression are present.
Signs and symptoms of the depressive phase
of bipolar disorder include: persistent
feelings of sadness, anxiety, guilt,
anger, isolation and/or hopelessness,
disturbances in sleep and appetite,
fatigue and loss of interest in usually
enjoyed activities, problems
concentrating, loneliness, self-loathing,
apathy or indifference, depersonalization,
loss of interest in sexual activity,
shyness or social anxiety, irritability,
chronic pain (with or without a known
cause), lack of motivation, and
morbid/suicidal ideation. In severe cases,
the individual may become psychotic, a
condition also known as severe bipolar
depression with psychotic features.
Mania is generally characterized by a
distinct period of an elevated, expansive,
or irritable mood state. People commonly
experience an increase in energy and a
decreased need for sleep. A person's
speech may be pressured, with thoughts
experienced as racing. Attention span is
low and a person in a manic state may be
easily distracted. Judgment may become
impaired; sufferers may go on spending
sprees or engage in behavior that is quite
abnormal for them. They may indulge in
substance abuse, particularly alcohol or
other depressants, cocaine or other
stimulants, or sleeping pills. Their
behavior may become aggressive or
intrusive. People may feel they have been
"chosen", are "on a special mission", or
other grandiose or delusional ideas.
Sexual drive may increase. At more extreme
phases, a person in a manic state can
begin to experience psychosis, or a break
with reality, where thinking is affected
along with mood. Many people in a manic
state experience severe anxiety and are
very irritable (to the point of rage),
while others are euphoric and grandiose.
Hypomania is less severe variant of mania.
How is your friend now?
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This page was last updated on June 11, 2008
