Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder

What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar Disorder used to be called 'Manic Depression'.  It is a mood disorder which causes a person to experience periods of depression and also periods of mania, where their mood is very high.  People with Bipolar Disorder are often diagnosed as having depression, because they only visit their GP when their mood is very low as they feel fine when their mood is high, despite the fact that they are clearly unwell.

What are the Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder?

The symptoms of depression in Bipolar Disorder are the same are for any other depression, however, the symptoms of mania or hypomania (slightly less severe mania) can include:

• Feeling very happy, elated or euphoric (overjoyed).
• Talking very quickly.
• Feeling full of energy.
• Feeling full of self-importance.
• Feeling full of great new ideas and having important plans.
• Being easily distracted.
• Being easily irritated or agitated.
• Not feeling like sleeping.
• Not eating.
• Doing pleasurable things that often have disastrous consequences, such as spending large sums of money on expensive and sometimes unaffordable items.
• You may also experience symptoms of psychosis.

Managing Bipolar Disorder

If you are experiencing symptoms of Bipolar Disorder it is important to speak to your GP as soon as possible.  Bipolar Disorder can be managed very well and a full recovery can be made if it is treated early on.