Bipolar disorder, also called manic-depressive disorder, causes dramatic changes in mood and swings in energy and behavior. The signs of manic depressive disorder vary widely in their severity and frequency. Generally speaking, manic-depressive people experience three different phases of mood alteration: manic episode, depressive episode, and a mixed episode. Symptoms vary with mood.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Identifying the Signs of a Manic Episode
Step 1. Check if the person is starting to sleep less
People with manic episodes tend to feel very energetic even if they don't get enough sleep.
Step 2. Pay attention to the speed and consistency of his speeches
During this phase, the subject often speaks so fast and changes topics so frequently that the interlocutors are unable to follow the conversation.
Step 3. See if he shows extreme feelings of optimism or places unrealistic faith in his abilities
This behavior sometimes presents itself as impaired judgment or impulsive attitudes.
Step 4. Notice if the subject seems absent, distracted, and unable to concentrate
Step 5. Be aware that if you are experiencing hallucinations or delusions, you may be in an extreme manic phase
These episodes sometimes lead to misdiagnosis of schizophrenia.
Part 2 of 3: Identifying the Signs of a Depressive Episode
Step 1. Check for any changes in your sleep habits
During episodes of depression, people may sleep more or less than normal, and sleep may often be interrupted.
Step 2. Pay attention to feelings of hopelessness, sadness, or emptiness
During times of depression, a person suffering from bipolar disorder is unable to find anything in life that gives them pleasure. She may lose interest in things that once thrilled her, including sex.
Step 3. Look for signs of fatigue, lack of energy, and general sluggishness
Step 4. Notice if your appetite and weight change
Depression can lead a bipolar sufferer to eat more or less than normal.
Part 3 of 3: Identifying the Signs of a Mixed Episode
Step 1. Check to see if you notice a conflict of symptoms occurring at the same time
A mixed episode of manic-depressive disorder includes both manic and depressive symptoms.
Step 2. Pay attention to whether depression is accompanied by agitation, anxiety, irritability, or restlessness
Step 3. Look for any combinations of vitality and energy and low mood
Step 4. Keep in mind that the risk of suicide is greater when a person suffers from a mixed episode
Advice
- People with bipolar disorder should try to eliminate stress, follow a balanced diet, take regular exercise, follow relaxation techniques, keep a mood diary and join a support group.
- Some people who suffer from manic depressive disorder may have mood swings that follow the changing of the seasons, like other seasonal affective disorders (DAS).
Warnings
- If you recognize the symptoms of bipolar disorder in yourself or someone else, it's important to see a doctor. If left untreated, this problem progressively gets worse.
- Although some manic-depressive people fluctuate rapidly from one mood episode to another, others may remain stable in one phase for longer periods, thus making mood swings more difficult to spot.
- Treatment is an ongoing process that typically requires a combination of medication, therapy, emotional support, and lifestyle changes. Antidepressants alone do not usually resolve this disorder.
