Question 1

what does it mean to be bipolar?

Accepted Answer

It's a disorder: Bipolar disorder is a neurobiological disorder that is usually inherited. At its most severe it has extreme mood (depression, euphoria) swings, temperament problems (aggression, irritability, rages), suicidality, and chronic sometimes debilitating anxiety.  Other milder forms exist more commonly.   http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/bipolar-disorder-in-children-and-teens-a-parents-guide.

Question 2

what does having a past medical history of "multiple bipolar disorder" mean?

Accepted Answer

??: I have never heard of multiple bipolar disorder.  Bipolar is usually classified differently such as bipolar disorder type ii, bipolar disorder mixed state or with rapid cycling.  See image.

Question 3

i'm wondering why are mean drunks diagnosed bipolar?

Accepted Answer

Not automatically: People's behavior when intoxicated is highly variable -- and "mean drunks" are not automatically diagnosed bipolar.  If someone has bipolar disorder though, chances of alcohol further destabilizing mood are high. I've also seen many alcoholics who are "mean" or irritable when intoxicated, but who are not bipolar.

Question 4

my chart reads bipolar vs schizoaffective disorder. what does this mean?

Accepted Answer

Not sure yet: That means the doctor cannot classify your diagnosis as 100% Bipolar disorder or 100%Schizoaffective disorder.  Often patients don't fit neatly into a single category - symptoms and signs overlap so writing it that way in the chart reminds me that the diagnosis is a little blurry and I should consider both when evaluating the patient.

Question 5

my daughter is diagnosed with bipolar type 1, does that mean im also bipolar?

Accepted Answer

No: Your daughter's diagnosis does not mean that you have this disorder or other psychiatric conditions. If you have problematic symptoms, you would need to be evaluated separately to determine  if you meet criteria for any disorders. Take care.

Question 6

can you please tell me the means of identification and characteristics of bipolar disorder?

Accepted Answer

Signs: In bipolar i there has to have been at least one manic episode in one's life. During a manic episode one may have extreme elevated mood, irritability, decreased need for sleep, a lot of energy, impulsive/reckless behavior, hypersexuality and rapid speech. In severe episodes they may have psychosis. The person can then cycle into periods of depression. The frequency of these cycles can vary.

Question 7

my psychiatrist diagnosed me with bipolar 2 what does that mean?

Accepted Answer

: It's important to discuss this with your Psychiatrist who is managing your medication. If you are not confident in your Dr. please see another for a second opinion.

Question 8

what exactly does it mean if a person has bipolar and they are manic?

Accepted Answer

An exhausting "ride": Generally, people dealing with bipolar disorder cycle through biologically driven periods of clinical depression and mania.  When going through a manic episode they typically have endless energy-may be up for days, engage in reckless behavior (wild shopping sprees, drug/alcohol binges, risky sex, etc.) , poor judgment, and their mood swings from irritable/angry  to elated/euphoric.

Question 9

what does a diagnosis of bipolar affective disorder mean for somebody's life?

Accepted Answer

Bipolar: Like any chronic illness, whether physiological or psychological, maintenance therapy to prevent recurrences and relapses is vital for optimal functioning.

Question 10

can you tell me if i have been prescribed lamotrigine does it mean i have bipolar disorder?

Accepted Answer

It is important: To know what condition you are being treated for.  You may or may not have a bipolar spectrum disorder. I sometimes treat patients with recalcitrant depression with lamictal. Please get more info from your provider. Take care.

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Doctor answers about:

Does near hypomanic mean bipolar

A member asked:

What does it mean to be bipolar?

A member asked:

What does having a past medical history of "multiple bipolar disorder" mean?

A member asked:

I'm wondering why are mean drunks diagnosed bipolar?

A member asked:

My chart reads bipolar vs schizoaffective disorder. what does this mean?

A member asked:

My daughter is diagnosed with bipolar type 1, does that mean im also bipolar?

A member asked:

Can you please tell me the means of identification and characteristics of bipolar disorder?

A member asked:

My psychiatrist diagnosed me with bipolar 2 what does that mean?

A member asked:

What exactly does it mean if a person has bipolar and they are manic?

A member asked:

What does a diagnosis of bipolar affective disorder mean for somebody's life?

A member asked:

Can you tell me if i have been prescribed lamotrigine does it mean i have bipolar disorder?

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