About Diagnosing Bipolar Disorder: Diagnosing Bipolar Disorder

Read about diagnosing bipolar disorder and how it can lead to depression. Depression not only affects the person who is going through it, but also everyone around them, including friends, family, loved ones, spouses, and children.

The diagnosis

It is important to get diagnosis and treatment for bipolar disorder as quickly as possible as in most cases people live in denial especially when the cases are mild. In some cases the duration is so short that by the time they keep trying to figure out whether medical attention is required or not' the mood swings have vanished. When the mood comes back to normal people think there is no necessity for medication. However sometimes it is a deception and the sufferer has not completely got rid of the disorder.

It is normal to feel happiness and sadness in life but for those who have bipolar disorder which is also known as manic depression' these feelings can be extreme. This situation if not managed can interfere with their daily life and can also become extremely dangerous. This is where it becomes important to get a proper diagnosis done. There are several types of bipolar disorders. Awareness of the disorder and its symptoms will help victims and those who are responsible for victims to be more vigilant to identify and seek help without delay.

Bipolar 1 and Mania disorder causes severe mood swings' from mania to depression. Only in rare cases' they experience only mania. The difference between bipolar I and bipolar II is the severity and duration of the phase' which can vary from a week to several months. Sufferers are prone to risky behavior and for their own safety it is best that they are hospitalized. The symptoms are rapid speed' disconnected thoughts' insomnia' unrealistic ideas' extreme irritability' hallucinations' feelings of omnipotence' violent behavior' paranoia' a remarkable increase in strength and openly promiscuous activity.

Bipolar II and Hypomania disorder suffers from severe depression with occasional `mild’ mania episodes' called hypomania. The danger in this disorder is quite often the hypomanic episode makes them feel so good that bipolar patients discontinue medication only to experience worse symptoms and more difficulty to bring it under control. While it is said that Bipolar II is milder than Bipolar I' the suicide rate in Bipolar II is however higher than those with Bipolar I.

Cyclothymic disorder swings between hypomania and mild depression. It is not as severe as either Bipolar I or II' but tends to stay on for longer periods. Sufferers can become either victims of full-blown bipolar disorder or can continue as a mild condition.

Mixed bipolar disorder has both mania and depression at the same time. The sufferer may be high in energy but at the same time may be irritable' angry and moody' which can be dangerous risking suicide.

Rapid-cycling bipolar disorder has four or more mood episodes during a 12 month cycle. It is possible for some people to experience multiple episodes within a single week' or may even be within the same day. Rapid cycling usually occurs in the latter part of the illness. Women are more prone than men to have rapid cycling which can increase the risk of severe depression and attempts of suicide.

In between all kinds of mood swings' the sufferer will have a normal range of moods. When symptoms emerge in children the situation is worsened as diagnosing becomes more difficult and treatment more complex. However' it is equally important to be alert and treat children with bipolar disorder as early as possible to avoid the situation getting out of hand and becoming a high risk situation with possible attempts of suicide. First step is to consult a good psychiatrist who will help you along the way.

Bipolar disorders range from mild to severe but the good news is that they can all be managed and controlled with early detection and proper treatment. Therefore proper diagnosis is required' which is based on self reported experiences as well as abnormalities observed and reported by family members' friends and co-workers. There are certain criteria that are followed before being identified with this disorder. These would depend on the symptoms and the duration of the symptoms. There are no biological tests to confirm the disorder and therefore diagnose takes much longer than in situations where clinical tests are able to confirm the diagnosis. However' with proper observations psychiatrists are able to make a good diagnosis during a not so long time.