Bipolar symptoms

Bipolar symptoms 

 

The key features of bipolar disorder are both symptoms of mild to high elation and the lows of depression.  While everyone experiences mood swings from time to time, for most people these are in response to some external events – such as elated when you receive a good grade on your exam, or sadness if you fail.  For most, they are able to put aside those feelings when needed, such as putting on a happy face to the customers at work.

Bipolar symptoms are not like this.  The mood swings of bipolar disorder do not necessarily relate to any external event, and it is hard to act contrary to the mood of the bipolar symptoms.  They are also far more marked than moods that occur normally, and can substantially impact a person’s ability to function. Others are more likely to notice mood changes that are part of bipolar symptoms.  Changes to behaviour such as speaking faster, starting several different projects without completing any, going on spending sprees, maybe noticed by others.  Irritably which often accompanies mood changes in bipolar disorder, means that it is hard to hear the concerns of family and friends.

There is no one definitive bipolar test that can be done to establish a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. The only way to be sure as to whether or not your mood swings are bipolar symptoms is to go to a clinician with experience in the diagnosis and treatment of bipolar disorder.  While there are a number of diagnostic surveys these are only a guide and are not conclusive diagnostic tool.