How do I know when to go to the doctor to see if I have bipolar disorder?
399062
OK honey, I'm a licensed therapist. This is what you need to do.  I don't know how old you are but, there should be someone you can talk to at your school, try your school guidance counselor, if your in college there should be free resources there for you or go to your regular doctor and they can refer you to someone.Please get help.Signs can be but are not limited to:\n1)rapid mood swings \n2)states of severe depression\n3)suicidal thoughts\n4)bouts of extreme anger or paranoia\n5)feelings of euphoria so strong one may feel invincible, this can lead to dangerous risk taking(drug use, promiscuity, extreme sports)\nIf you feel like this sounds familiar you need to see someone however, if you are experiencing any kind of depression please seek help.
922206
Well, first you need to look at your family history.  Has anyone in your family ever been bipolar or had bipolar tendencies?  If so, then here's the second question:  Are you ADD or ADHD?\n\nHere's my personal story:\n\nI started my period at 11.  By 13 I hit "teenager" years and by 14 I was into puberty.  You know, boobs, hair, voice, the works.  Except something happened.  I turned into Frankenstein's Mood monster.  I was always either really excited and upbeat, or so depressed that I would stay in my room for days and bite off anyone's head who tried to talk to me.\n\nMy family became so distraut that they finally talked about sending me to a boarding school.  the house was always tense, but I thought it was everyone else.  I was kicked out several times, moved back home, and just barely made it through my teen years without going crazy.  When I was 21, I married, and my husband saw the same thing in me - we were always fighting, and I knew it was always my fault.  I felt crazy because my moodswings were so bad.\n\nAfter lots of research and lots of crazy doctors trying to prescribe me medicines, I learned the most facinating thing:  Kids who are ADD or ADHD and go through puberty actually experience bipolar tendencies.  It's a natural, hormone-imbalance.  And since I was ADHD my whole life, it was normal.  Man I wish someone had know that back then!!!!!!\n\nHere's what you need to do:  Find out if you're ADD or ADHD.  Change your diet from sugars and white flours to lots of grains, good dark green vegetables, and unprocessed sugars and eat healthy.  Exercise and work out regularly.  Talk to your doctor about natural ways to balance out your hormones through this period.  It's possible.\n\nIt's okay, you're going to be alright.  You'll make it through this, even though now it doesn't seem like it. \n\nIf it is bipolar, you would have known at an early age, before this time.  Since you're 14 and starting to experience these symptoms, I would say most likely it's that your hormones are turning you into a woman.  Hang in there, girl!
627477
Psychiatrists Doctors or "shrinks" as you may label them, do have without question an answer to your query.  Bipolar type of imbalance is simple.  During a certain period of time (day or night ) you have a balance of brain located Neuro-transmitters, It happens to be, that due to a series of metaboic and biochemical balances and imbalances that occur mainly in your Mind, conscious an unconscious you happen to be favorable, happy and steady, and suddenly you uncompulsively turn, into a change to deppresion, lonelyness, and lack of well beeing, that takes a certain ammount of time when you suddenly engage again to your previous condition of well beeing.  This cycle may be repeated various times or episodes during a  day.  It has treatment, Psychiatric and Medical that you ought to seek for.\n\nMario R. Lambour MD. Cardiologist.  Guatemala City.  Guatemala C.A.
996526
This could be several things.  Most likely it is anxiety disorder.  You should see your physician and explain your symptoms to your doctor.  There is medications out that will help you to control the jitters and control the mood swings.  There may be some underlying depression as well.  There are medications that can control the anxiety and depression. There is also a possiblity that you could suffer from Bi-Polar Disorder.  Bi-Polar tendancies tend to suffer from ups and downs in mood.  One minute you will be happy and in 5 minutes you could be angry or sad.  Bi-Polar Disorder is a very serious disorder and you should seek medical attention immediately.  Many cases of Bi-polar disorder have suicidal thoughts.  With Bi-Polar disorder, it is very difficult for the person to "get ahold" of their emotions and will sometimes act out in a violent manner, causing harm to themselves or others.  You should really check with your physician.
1167627
There really isn't any specific time that might be experienced by a bipolar person. It can be days or weeks or months. I've heard of rapid cycling bipolar which can be that the manic and depression phases of bipolar can be as short as a day or even to hours within a day. Hopefully if it's you with the disorder you can find the right doctor to help you even out the highs and lows of bipolar.
728839
I believe you should go see ur doc. To understand whats going on and why you feel the way you do.
1040300
You need to talk to your mom and tell her that the problems are back and you want some real help. I know it's tough, but you won't get medical treatment at your age without parental consent. Tell her and get yourself some good help. Yes, it does sound like Bipolar disorder but you should be checked for Aspergers Syndrome as well. Good luck to you.
1166981
its such a tricky question..well being a doctor, I can tell you that there is no cut-off range above which you are declared a manic and below it a chatter box......As far as taking to oneselves is concerned, we all chat to ourselves more or less.....But it depends ....if you feel that you chat to yourself a lot(i mean within heart)...then you are surely fine......\nNow I explain you why I am saying you so....Well psychiatry is such a complex field .....infact most of those who think that they are fine (but other notice them not fine) are having psychiatric problem..howsoever those who think that they have some problem psychiatrically (but other doesn't notice ), like your case , are absolutely fine.....\nBut still as  I don't know you personally, I must say that you evaluate yourself and see if the problem you are having impinges  on your daily routine or not.......if yes then consult your doc or ask me..
244190
Go to the doctors and explain to them that you may think you have these things and tell them what symtoms you have that make you think this way and they may try and tell you its not what you think but then just tell them to test you for them anyways so then you can relax and know for sure =)
885518
Medication is the only answer. Bipolar Disorder is a serious mental illness and untreated, it will only get worse and carries a 20-25% suicide risk.\n\nYou need to see a doctor if you have not already been diagnosed.
81771
Go to a doctor.  You sound manic depressive to me.
92587
Talk to you psychiatrist.  The most notable clinical feature of bipolar disorder is dramatic mood swings.  As compared to an anxiety disorder or depression where your moods will may be impacted by external factors, but will otherwise remain relatively level, in bipolar disorder patients cycle through periods of mania and depression.  But you should really really talk to your psychiatrist - I assure you he or she knows a lot more about it that I do.  Also, antidepressents effect your mood (obviously - that's the whole point), and may be responsible for some or all of you symptoms.  Your doctor may want to try a different anti-depressent or take you off them entirely for a while before deciding on a new diagnosis.\n\nPS. Anti-depressants are a standard treatment for anxiety disorders.
965035
The best way to find out is to see your Doctor and have a check-up, and tell him or her what is going on.
624227
it seems you have bipolar symdrom. go to the doctor
895473
Bipolar disorder always has the mania component, but it doesn't always mean bouncing off the walls, not sleeping, being extremely creative, etc. That's Bipolar I. With Bipolar II, you tend to have more depressive episodes than manic ones, and your manic episodes may just look like what would be a good mood for a "normal" person. This would be what you're describing as cycling from depressed to normal and back again. Manic episodes with Bipolar II can also manifest as extreme irritability and/or anger, even rage. If you suspect you may have Bipolar Disorder (or any other psychological problem), please seek help. It doesn't make you weak to get help or to take medication. BD is a real illness and is even considered potentially fatal because of the number of those afflicted who commit suicide. Please talk to a professional as soon as possible.
304609
If you go to your doctors {Primary Care Physican} and let Dr. know your concerns thats the first plcae to be evaluated, and the doc can take it from there and either referr you to another kind of Doc or treat you.\nBest Wishes\n\nP.S.\nSince you have recognized possible bipolar please \n"dont let it control you and lean on it as a crutch through life..." \nmeaning dont blame everything on having  B P...\n\nI have a close family member-teenage years-and she tends to act out more than ever and always says I cant help it \nits B.P. \nI suspect she is using it as an excuse to get her way with mommy n daddy,\nshe is now at the dating age and wants to run off with her boyfriend and gets away with it cause she blames it on B.P.\n\nSo please dont let it control you, YOU CONTROL IT!!!
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