All of us have moments of loneliness or sadness at times in our lives, but it’s different for those who find the dark clouds of depression overwhelming and impairing their ability to function in everyday life. In order to find a solution, they first must seek a diagnosis, which too often is easier said than done.
One reason for this is diagnosing bipolar disorder isn’t a one-step process, and there’s no specific medical test that can pinpoint the disorder.
Doctors in Southeast Asia were recently instructed in The Mice Times of Asia that looking for the signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder is the best path to take before making a final diagnosis.
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If you have bipolar disorder, you probably have unpredictable and severe episodes of high and low — manic and depressive — moods. The highs and lows are confusing and sometimes subtle, not only to the person with bipolar disorder, but also to the person’s family and friends. For that very reason, the condition can be difficult to diagnose.
Signs of manic behavior may include:
- Euphoria and insomnia
- Extreme irritability
- Inflated self-esteem
- Impaired judgment
- Uncharacteristic talkativeness
- Delusions or hallucinations
Signs of depressive behavior may include:
- Low energy levels, fatigue or weakness
- Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
- Loss of appetite
- Irritability
- Withdrawal from relatives and friends
- Sleeping problems
- Excessive feelings of inappropriate guilt
- Poor concentration
If you or a loved one thinks you might have bipolar disorder, the first step to take is to seek help from a mental health professional. The disorder will not clear up on its own and, left untreated, could have negative or devastating effects on relationships, careers or academic performances.
Unfortunately, there’s no single test to confirm bipolar disorder. Diagnosis is usually made through recognizing the symptoms, a physical exam, lab tests, psychological evaluation and daily charting of moods and activities.
Bipolar disorder is not an uncommon illness. Nineteen percent of U.S. adults have some type of mental illness, and 1 in 24 adults suffers from bipolar disorder.
Children of any age can also develop bipolar disorder. Diagnosing bipolar disorder in children and teens is especially difficult since unruly and unpredictable behaviors are part of growing up.
If you suspect your child’s mood swings are extreme, it’s important to consult with a mental health professional right away, since this disorder not only will affect your child’s home life, but their participation in school and extra-curricular activities, as well.
Just having a diagnosis and knowing help is available will relieve a lot of stress and bring some inner peace of mind for everyone involved.