| Many bipolar sufferers are unaware that their | | | | the patient is often unaware of them. MIXED |
| condition exists. The initial symptoms of | | | | BIPOLAR STATES Sometimes a mixed state of a |
| bipolar disorder, commonly known as manic | | | | bipolar disorder occurs, where the sufferer |
| depression, start to manifest during | | | | simultaneously experiences depression and |
| adolescence and can be triggered at any time. | | | | mania. Symptoms often include sleep |
| Fortunately this disorder, thought to be a | | | | deficiency, appetite changes and agitation. |
| chemical brain imbalance, can be treated very | | | | Patients with mixed bipolar states can be |
| successfully. The main concern is to spot the | | | | extremely depressed but still possess high |
| initial symptoms of bipolar early, so that an | | | | energy levels. IDENTIFYING MORBID THOUGHTS |
| accurate diagnosis can be made and the | | | | One of the most feared bipolar symptoms for |
| appropriate treatment started. If someone in | | | | the loved ones supporting a bipolar sufferer |
| your circle of family and friends has bipolar | | | | is the appearance of potentially morbid |
| disorder, then you would already know the | | | | thoughts. Any suspicion that a patient is |
| effect it has on their daily lives. Contrary | | | | thinking morbidly and contemplating suicide |
| to popular belief, individuals suffering with | | | | should be acted upon immediately. In such |
| bipolar disorder are not always depressed and | | | | cases a 911 emergency call should be made as |
| morose. The very nature of bipolar means that | | | | a standard preventative measure. Better to be |
| wild mood swings occur moving from high to | | | | on the safe side than suffer a tragic |
| low in a short space of time. These mood | | | | suicide. If the true nature of a person's |
| swings can be quite difficult to distinguish. | | | | condition is to be revealed, recognizing the |
| The illness is highly likely to recur | | | | initial symptoms of bipolar is vitally |
| frequently, affecting a person for their | | | | important. Improper diagnosis can lead to a |
| entire lifetime. The best long-term treatment | | | | prolonged lifetime of suffering. All too |
| is achieved by fostering and maintaining a | | | | often a patient seeks medical advice when |
| strong support group. This of course is | | | | suffering from depression, but they do not |
| totally dependent on being able to spot the | | | | think it important to disclose their manic |
| initial symptoms of bipolar disorder in the | | | | episodes. This is mainly because they feel |
| first place. HOW TO SPOT DEPRESSION Correctly | | | | good, and connect their manic periods with |
| identifying depression is a tricky exercise, | | | | happiness and a normal state. Research and |
| and can baffle even the most experienced | | | | study has now heightened awareness of this |
| professional. One obvious sign of depression | | | | condition. More and more people are becoming |
| is a sad or anxious mood manifesting over an | | | | educated and can recognize the initial |
| extended period. Another can be lack of | | | | symptoms of bipolar disorder. Information and |
| motivation or desire to participate in | | | | guidance is now readily available through |
| activities which would normally be enjoyed by | | | | quality resources on reputable websites and |
| the person, for example hobbies, sex or | | | | from local mental health clinics. How lucky |
| social activities. WHAT CONSTITUTES A MANIC | | | | we are to live in an age where the |
| EPISODE The most noticeable behavior is a | | | | debilitating nature of such a condition can |
| euphoric mood and increased level of energy. | | | | be halted by identifying the initial symptoms |
| These characteristics are quite evident and | | | | of bipolar early, allowing patients and their |
| easily noticed. Other signs include over | | | | loved ones to lead normal, productive and |
| generosity, spending sprees, hypersexuality | | | | healthy lives. |
| (increased sex drive), loss of concentration, | | | | |
| and grandiose feelings of invincibility. | | | | Jean Littman is married to a bipolar sufferer |
| SYMPTOMS OF PSYCHOSIS In serious cases of | | | | and is co-owner of which provides quality |
| bipolar disorder, the associated extreme mood | | | | resources and tools for bipolar disorder and |
| swings can progress into psychosis symptoms, | | | | manic depression sufferers and their loved |
| including delusions and hallucinations. While | | | | ones. |
| others can recognize psychosis quite easily, | | | | |