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