How do know if you have bipolar disorder?

Bipolar: As opposed to typical depression, bipolar patients have manic periods where they have less need for sleep, have grandiose ideas, may shop impulsively, and have racing thoughts like finishing others' sentences.

See a psychiatrist: Have an evaluation by a. Psychiatrist bring a relative or friend who knoews you well as an outside observer.

Bipolar: Moods swing to extremes, between episodes of depression lasting around few weeks & phases of mania lasting few weeks each. Milder forms are called bipolar type 2 or cyclothymia, more severe forms are accompanied with psychotic symptoms such as hearing voices or seeing things that are not there. Your mental health counselor can assess & give more definite diagnosis.

Psychiatric Eval.: Bipolar Disorder is a mood disorder that can present with possible symptoms of mania, hypomania, depression, mixed state and normal state. Mania or hypomania: 1 may show aggression, agitation, v judgment & impulse control, distractability, rapid thoughts & speech, ^ libido, V sleep, spending sprees, high risk behaviors, elation, ^ physical activity or psychosis. When depressed 1 may have low mood

You may know that: Bipolar disorder manifests in extreme mood swings between depression and mania/hyperactivity. Some folks are more hyper and some more depressed. The cycle can be very quick or span over days. A licensed mental health professional can diagnose and treat you. It's best to go to someone who has a lot of experience w/this. Your family doc can refer you. Peace and good health.

Psychiatric eval.: Bipolar Disorder is a mood disorder that can present with possible symptoms of mania, hypomania, depression, mixed state and normal state. Mania or hypomania: 1 may show aggression, agitation, v judgment & impulse control, distractability, rapid thoughts & speech, ^ libido, V sleep, spending sprees, high risk behaviors, elation, ^ physical activity or psychosis. When depressed 1 may have low

The best way: Is to speak with a therapist about bipolar and why you are concerned about this diagnosis. You can also read about the disorder and see if you feel it fits you.

Seek an evaluation: In the general population incidence is 1 to 4%. Beyond that, a face to face evaluation is needed. The mood disorder questioner (mqd) is in public domain as a good screen tool and/or conversation starter with a md.