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