Is hospitalization for bipolarism necessary? What if someone is diagnosed with bipolarism and never has been?
114305
Bipolar disorder is difficult to detect and if the person is a danger to themselves or others regardless of diagnosis they should be hospitalized
125220
Layperson's Definition of Manic Depression\nOne textbook definition describes bipolar disorder as: "a major affective disorder in which an individual alternates between states of deep depression and extreme elation." This is misleading in that bipolar disorder - also known as manic depression or manic-depressive illness - is much more complicated than just alternating between depression and elation.\nThe American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (commonly known as DSM-IV because it is in its fourth major edition) says, "Bipolar Disorder is characterized by the occurrence of one or more Major Depressive Episodes accompanied by at least one Manic Episode." So even if you're depressed 99 percent of the time, going through just one manic episode qualifies you for a diagnosis of bipolar disorder according to this definition - but that still leaves out a lot of what manic depression really is.
276171
No need for a straitjacket.  Bipolar people are not crazy.\n\nIf you choose to talk to this person yourself, which may or may not be a good idea, make sure you tell him that you have his own interests in mind.  Bipolar is a hard condition to live with, and it can be discouraging.  Plus, there are times when bipolar people are pretty 'normal'.\n\nPeople going through a manic phase can get themselves into big trouble.  They can end up spending themselves into debt, easily.  They also sometimes have delusions of grandeur, making them think that they have superpowers like the ability to fly -- some people have jumped off of buildings thinking they would be able to fly.  A manic person feels great at the start -- they are invincible, they have incredibly high self esteem and energy.  Of course they're not going to want to take their meds.  But make sure you remind him that things WILL get worse.\n\nA person in a depressive phase doesn't think anything will work anyway.  They are so down and hopeless that they believe it isn't even worth it to take meds, since nothing will bring them out of their depression.  This isn't true, so remind him of that.  Be nice, understanding, and polite.  Don't be harsh.\n\nWhat phase is this person in?  Manic, depressive, 'normal'?  Depending on this, you should approach the matter differently.\n\nIf you don't know the person well enough to know this information, you probably shouldn't be tbe one to talk to him.  You could ask someone else to talk to him for you -- someone who knows him very well.
802467
Some symptoms of Bipolar Disorder Type (2) not to be confused with Type (1) Big Difference.I have type (2) it can be controlled and there is help it just takes them a while as they have to be certain it Bipolar,thats why it takes along time until they finally say yes it is.\nnext time your at the doc ask for another referral to psychiatrist and Do Not withhold any info from them they need to no everything.\nAll the best\n\nDoctor is not the expert you need psychiatrists
984502
My first suggestion would be to visit a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist that specializes in mood disorders.\n\nI am Bipolar and I've been under the care of a Psychopharmocologist who specializes in mood disorders and a CBT Specialist as well.  In addition, I've spent the last 6 months educating myself on the disorder, treatment and drugs.  I also attend group therapy twice a week in a clinical CBT group and also attend a BPD support group.\n\nBefore I started getting treatment, I was living a life full of rapid cycling (vast change in moods, can be hourly/daily/weekly) high risk behavior and never really knew who the real me was.  So you can say I was having an identity crisis and was suffering from bipolar depression.  \n\nSince being treated, I've been able to manage my condition and live a very productive and healthy lifestyle.\n\nIt's difficult to self diagnose, but if you're looking for an opinion, I would suggest visiting sites with good information on mood disorders and perhaps some discussion boards.\n\nI would also be happy to help if you want to send me an email.  \n\nHere are some helpful sites\nhttp://www.dbsalliance.org/info/aboutmood.html\nhttp://dbsa.invisionzone.com/index.php?showforum=6\nhttp://www.crazymeds.org/\nhttp://www.crazymeds.org/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?board=bipolarquestions\n\nGood luck
321026
I am mentally ill. I can say it. I have had to endure 30 brain surgeries and I suffer, believe me- I SUFFER- some lingering side effects of it. The surgery was for a birth deffect that wasn't detected til I was 19. \n I now suffer from severe bio-polar disorder and, without my meds, I can have mild schitzophrenic tendencies .  Ok, cool. As Long as I knowwww what is wrong with me and how to treat it, I'm ok. I can handle it. \n\n   This person in your house, that might or might not have mental problems, may not even realize they have a problem. I know it took 3 years for us to decide/realize what was wrong with me.  Ever hear of an intervention. or are you the only one who feels this person has a problem? \n    No , you don't have the right to tell someone to 'get off the drugs' when they aren't on any and you KNOW that for a fact. ( Maybe tell them to start taking the RIGHT ones..it took me 8 years to get to the right 'cocktail' of meds I am on now so that I don't talk to the trees and don't cry when they don't answer me. LOL its not thaaat bad,  just kidding  a little But it does take time and cooperation on EVERYONE's part. ) Go to the person , offer what you've observed and offer to HELP said person get the help that they NEED, or to at least see someone and determine if they need anything. It sounds simple, but it isn't. I know. I had to hospitalize my husband twice in the first year we were married before we got him properly diagnosed/medicated for bipoler problems. It stinks and its hard, but up front is the only way to go. Just don't let that person doubt your love and  support for them. \nBy the way... you don't wanna know what all I am on!!
769607
Only the person's doctor can answer that.  I have a history of addiction and am currently on medication for Bipolar Disorder and it has been very difficult to manage medication levels.  I must work with my doctor constantly.\n\nIf you are close enough to the person to be allowed to meet with the physician in charge, let the doctor know of your concerns.  Sometimes the patient isn't always the best person to judge his or her reaction to medication.\n\nGood luck and never give up.
455665
Bipolar and mania are MILD mental disorders?  I'd like to know how you came up with that definition!\n\nPeople with bipolar are usually aware of when they are depressed, but not necessarily when they are manic, as mania is often experienced as a positive feeling - being ultra happy, feeling invincible etc
66685
Absolutely! Oftentimes a bipolar individual will be aware of the change between manic/depressed phases ... but during the "healthy" phase, he-or-she doesn't feel the need to do anything about it, and during the depressed phase, the person is too depressed to get help. If you recognize that pattern happening in your life, make an appointment with a PhD or a counselor. Getting a professional diagnosis is the first step to getting balance in your life!\n\nBe aware, though, that regular mood shifts are normal in most people, especially as the seasons turn or holidays pass. Most people can be treated without medication by adjusting things in their home and work environment (i.e. better lighting, adjusting diet or exercise routines, etc.).
157521
I haven't been diagnosed with anything but I myself suffer from bi-polar disorder and depression.  I think that medication to doctor who you are, is stupid.  I manage to be myself, to live my life, to hold a job and an apartment and I do it all alone.  I'm not into taking medication and altering who I am.  I was dealt this hand in life and I'm just trying to stay in the game.  It sucks but hey, I smoke lots of weed.  That helps.
399050
God still heals.\n\nOften in cases that appear to be bipolar, simply doing what's right. . .living for God will take care of it.  I've seen it happen.
13472
As someone else has already noted, it depends upon the person. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-Revised) would say that one must have an episode which lasts at least one full week. I believe that it's preferred to be two weeks. The APA site will help you a lot as well as the NIMH which is the site for the National Institute of Mental Health. I, myself, am a sufferer of Bipolar Disorder and it took years to get diagnosed due to the rigid diagnosis requirements. Good luck in your search for information!
430101
I suffer from manic depression/bipolar. It took a while to be properly diagnosed but basically it was chronic depression, irritability, mood swings, rocky relationships, irresponsible actions/activities and paranoia. You won't qualify for bipolar until you've had a manic episode though and you'll know when that happens because everything will be unusually fantastic and your thinking will be unfocused with racing thoughts. These are just a few of the symptoms that I experienced but apart from the depression and manic episodes, everyone's symptoms can vary. Don't try and self diagnose though. Have an open communication with your doctor about it because it's very tricky to diagnose properly.\nHope that helps a little bit.
728696
OK, so it's a mood disorder and a serious mental illness. It has a strong genetic component, but appears to be triggered environmentally. There are no diagnostic tests for it, just psychiatric evaluation. Most sufferers are not diagnosed until middle age, and it takes an average of around 8-10 years to get a correct diagnosis. Historically, figures suggested it affects about 0.8% of the population at some point, which makes it about half as common as schizophrenia. In recent years, bipolar disorder has become an 'in' diagnosis, and many more people are being diagnosed at younger and younger ages. As with ADHD, this fad may well pass with time, although for the moment many celebrities appear to be 'popularising' it.\n\nIt is characterised by episodes of severe clinical depression and mania or hypomania (for definitions of those, see here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Current_diagnostic_criteria_for_bipolar_disorder ). The extreme end of mania often turns into psychosis, complete with hallucinations and delusions. During manic phases, the person's judgement and perception of reality is severely compromised, leading to risky actions with potentially damaging consequences (financially, sexually and relationship-wise). Untreated, episodes generally worsen over time due to an effect known as kindling. Untreated Bipolar sufferers are at a very high risk of suicide: 20-25% attempt it, and 15% succeed.\n\nThe cycles in bipolar disorder are much longer than people generally believe. Anyone whose mood changes from minute to minute is very unlikely to be bipolar. Bipolar 1 is characterised by mood episodes lasting many months, while Bipolar 2 has episodes in the region of weeks to months. Rapid and ultra-rapid cycling bipolar disorder is rare, and cycles last days to weeks.\n\nThere are many drugs available to treat the symptoms of bipolar (there is no cure). These are either anti-convulsants or anti-psychotics (personally I take both), and the most well known of these is Lithium. Most patients will go through a number of different drugs before finding one that works for them.
958885
A person with bipolar disorder that is treated is no different from any other person.  A person with untreated bipolar disorder is capable of many extraordinary things - both good and bad.\n\nIn the end, nobody can break up a marriage except the two people in the marriage.
641034
MOST DEFINATELY!  No one understands Bipolar like someone Wwho has it or a family member of someone who has it.  GREAT IDEA!
215139
I have bipolar disorder. I am not a "manic depressive". I am defined by who I am not by a illness I have.\nIf I am silly or playful do not ask if I remembered my meds, I am not out of control.\nI deserve to be treated like the guy you knew before I told you I had bipolar disorder.