What does it mean when  people says someone has a bipolar disorder?
414083
Ok, why don't we deviate from copying and pasting answers from websites and I'll give this a shot from scratch and explain it to you in plain English.\n\nA bipolar disorder is basically having a good and evil side to one person and they pull and tear at each other.  One minute you might be smiling and happy, and a few minutes later you are crabby and down in the dumps and mad at the world.\n\nOne minute you might be happy with one person and the next you are mad at them.  Part of you is tugging to be a happy person and the other side of you is saying no, I am crabby and mad and don't want to be happy.\n\nIt's almost like having two different personalities.  The person has severe mood swings that are usually uncontrollable and go from one extreme to the other.
710848
Well, what you've described are sort of the symptoms of bipolar disorder, but not really, so I don't understand the question. What you describe would barely count as cyclothymia, to be honest. Have you been diagnosed as bipolar, or do you just think you may be?\n\nHere's the lowdown: 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. In recent years bipolar disorder has become an 'in' diagnosis, and many more people are being diagnosed at younger and younger ages.\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 persons 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 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.\n\nIf this really isn't you, then be thankful. Best wishes.
676500
Bipolar disorder affects more than 2.5 million adult Americans every year. (National Institute of Mental Health)\n\nUp to 90 percent of bipolar disorders start before age 20, although the illness can start in early childhood or as late as the 40's and 50's. An equal number of men and women develop bipolar illness and it is found in all ages, races, ethnic groups and social classes. \nMore than two-thirds of people with bipolar disorder have at least one close relative with the illness or with unipolar major depression, indicating that the disease has a heritable component. (National Institute of Mental Health)
1032768
Being a severe bipolar myself - It one of the most interesting, but one of most terrible disease to live with!\nUnless people are considerate enough to research it they will never understand it!\nEven understanding SOME of it - It cannot be controlled. Medication helps with SOME stability, but being bipolar the medication being immuned very quickly.\nShe is doing great by taking care of herself, eating right, hygiene, etc.\nWith bipolar it is a mood that can come and go throughout the Moment, Day, or situation!\nPlease don't take too much upon yourself as it is a draining condition - especially from the person with it!\nBut I must Tell You Thank you for being understanding. It's very rare that people are there for ones like this! It is so trying! People cannot handle it - They want to deny it exists...\nMy grown children went through heck when I raised them (I didn't have a diagnosis's then)\nNow, they also live in other states, when we have contact they only want to, can only handle that I'M FINE, I'M DOING WELL - we don't discuss who I really am or what I'm going through!\nWhen I am out of sorts, I say I don't feel well! Some know what I'm talking about, most don't care = I don't care that they care or not!\nI've learned to accept this is who I am, I do my best to maintain!\nIf you'd like to keep in contact please email me!\nAgain, thank you for being someone who's taking the time to understand the disease!
912987
No.  If you were in mania, you would be hyper and unable to sleep, and fully functioning on an abnormally low amount of sleep.  some people with depression sleep very long hours or spend a lot of time in bed staring at the ceiling.  Some people with depression have insomnia.  \n Sleep is not a reliable indicator of bipolar disorder.   Mood swings, reckless behavior, delusions, walking and talking faster than normal, having more energy than usual are typical symptoms of the mania phase of bipolar.
231097
Most likely bipolar disorder has nothing to do with it. Common psychological belief is that our brain attaches events to "schemas" which are pathways that connect the even to relavent things in your memories. Therefore, small events, like going to the store with your father when you were 9, don't connect to anything and get dropped. It is like our brain is a computer hard drive. We have 80 gigs of space to store stuff. Well, our life would take up 8000 gigs if we remembered everything. So we drop off the unneccessary memories and keep only the ones that are important.
387911
Bipolar disorder used to be known as manic depression. It's a serious illness, one that can lead to risky behavior, damaged relationships and careers, even suicidal tendencies -- if it's not treated. \n\nBipolar disorder is characterized by extreme changes in mood (poles) -- from mania to depression. Between these mood swings, a person with Bipolar disorder may experience normal moods.\n\n"Manic" describes an increasingly restless, energetic, talkative, reckless, powerful, euphoric period. Lavish spending sprees or impulsive risky sex can be irresistible. Then, at some point, this high-flying mood can spiral into something darker -- irritation, confusion, anger, feeling trapped.\n\n"Depression" describes the opposite mood -- sadness, crying, sense of worthlessness, loss of energy, loss of pleasure, sleep problems. \n\nBut because the pattern of highs and lows varies for each person, bipolar disorder is a complex disease to diagnose. For some people, mania or depression can last for weeks or months, even for years. For other people, bipolar disorder takes the form of frequent and dramatic mood shifts. \n\n"There's a whole spectrum of symptoms and mood changes that have been found in bipolar disorder," says Michael Aronson, MD, a clinical psychiatrist and consultant for WebMD. "It's not always dramatic mood swings. In fact, some people seem to get along just fine. The manic periods can be very, very productive. They think things are going great."\n\nThe danger comes, he says, when the mania grows much worse. "The change can be very dramatic, with catastrophic results. People can get involved in reckless behavior, spend a lot of money, there may be sexual promiscuity, sexual risks." \n\nThe depressed phases can be equally dangerous: A person may have frequent thoughts of suicide.\n\nhttp://www.webmd.com/diseases_and_conditions/bipolar_disorder.htm
844346
IF YOU HAVE TO BE WORRIED ABOUT WHAT THEY WILL THINK...well then think about who they are and the mistakes they have made...Bipolar is a chemical imbalance, chances are these people that you are worried about just made stupid choices. Bipolar is NOT A CHOICE.\nI share it with anyone who needs a friend.  I have gone to jails, talke to kids in recovery, and spoken with people who will never undrstand.  I DON'T CARE,,,,people who judge are ususally suffering from their own problems. There is no longer a stigma to BiPolar, or any other mental illness.  You have don the bravest thing that can be done YOU HAVE ADMITTED IT.  Now move forward and the best therapy is helping and talking to others. You take care and understand NO MATTER WHAT anybody else has to say, you are doing great you are dealing with it.
34075
Bipolar Disorder (Manic Depression) \n\nAnother type of depression is bipolar disorder, which was formerly called manic-depressive illness or manic depression. This condition shows a particular pattern of inheritance. Not nearly as common as the other types of depressive disorders, bipolar disorder involves cycles of depression and mania, or elation. Bipolar disorder is often a chronic, recurring condition. Sometimes, the mood switches are dramatic and rapid, but most often they are gradual.\n\nWhen in the depressed cycle, the person can experience any or all of the symptoms of a depressive disorder. When in the manic cycle, any or all of the symptoms listed under mania may be experienced. Mania often affects thinking, judgment, and social behavior in ways that cause serious problems and embarrassment. For example, unwise business or financial decisions may be made when an individual is in a manic phase.\n\nA significant variant of bipolar disorder is designated as bipolar II. (The usual form of bipolar disorder is referred to as bipolar I.) Bipolar II is a syndrome in which the affected person has repeated depressive episodes punctuated by what is called hypomania (mini-highs). These euphoric states in bipolar II do not fully meet the criteria for the complete manic episodes that occur in bipolar I. \n\nDepression Symptoms of Manic Depression\n\nPersistently sad, anxious, or "empty" mood. \nFeelings of hopelessness, pessimism. \nFeelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness. \nLoss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed, including sex. \nInsomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping. \nDecreased appetite and/or weight loss, or overeating and weight gain. \nFatigue, decreased energy, being "slowed down." \nThoughts of death or suicide, suicide attempts. \nRestlessness, irritability. \nDifficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions. \nPersistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain.\nMania Symptoms of Manic Depression\n\nInappropriate elation. \nInappropriate irritability. \nSevere insomnia. \nGrandiose notions. \nIncreased talking speed and/or volume. \nDisconnected and racing thoughts. \nIncreased sexual desire. \nMarkedly increased energy. \nPoor judgment. \nInappropriate social behavior.
43422
The term "bipolar affective disorder" is simply a label used to categorise a list of psychosocial traits that Psychiatry considers to be improper or abnormal in society. Psychiatry defines these traits as a "mental illness", and promotes it as a "disease" that requires "treatment".\n\nIt is not a "disease", despite claims or implications made by certain psychiatric or pharmaceutical organisations. There is NO credible scientific evidence that shows the existence of what constitutes "bipolar" as a biological/neurological disorder, brain abnormality or "chemical imbalance".\n\n"For a disease to exist there must be a tangible, objective physical abnormality that can be determined by a test such as, but not limited to, blood or urine test, X-Ray, brain scan or biopsy. All reputable doctors would agree: No physical abnormality, no disease. In psychiatry, no test or brain scan exists to prove that a 'mental disorder' is a physical disease. Disingenuous comparisons between physical and mental illness and medicine are simply part of psychiatry's orchestrated but fraudulent public relations and marketing campaign." Fred Baughman, MD., Neurologist & Pediatric Neurologist.\n\n"Chemical imbalance…it’s a shorthand term really, it’s probably drug industry derived… We don’t have tests because to do it, you’d probably have to take a chunk of brain out of someone - not a good idea." Dr. Mark Graff, Chair of the Committee of Public Affairs for the American Psychiatric Association. July, 2005.\n\nSymptoms that psychiatry labels as "bipolar" (or it's related disorders), can stem from any number of variable sources. Many people, for example, have overcome "bipolar" through megavitamin therapy and effective nutrition. A growing wealth of evidence supports that underlying nutritional deficiencies can cause even the most severe mental disorders, including symptoms labelled as "schizophrenia" [See source refs]\n\nBottom line? Psychiatry is a belief-system, a "faith", not a science. Despite the huge marketing strategies, the so-called "research" and all the propaganda thrown at the world, there is not one iota of scientific evidence that proves that "schizophrenia" or ANY mental illness, in fact, exists as an actual --medical disease--.\n\nIf you have been told differently then know this: You have been lied to.\n\nFor more information, please visit:\n\nhttp://groups.msn.com/psychbusters\nDecoding Psychiatric Propaganda\n\nFor information on non-drug / alternative approaches:\n- http://www.alternativementalhealth.com/articles/default.htm#B\n- http://www.pendulum.org/articles/articles_misc_lisaalt.html\n- http://www.truehope.com/_empowerplus/empowerplus.asp\n- http://www.mentalhealthproject.com/content.asp?id_Content=1575
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Bipolar disorder causes dramatic mood swings—from overly "high" and/or irritable to sad and hopeless, and then back again, often with periods of normal mood in between. Severe changes in energy and behavior go along with these changes in mood. The periods of highs and lows are called episodes of mania and depression.\nSigns and symptoms of mania (or a manic episode) include:\n\n    * Increased energy, activity, and restlessness\n    * Excessively "high," overly good, euphoric mood\n    * Extreme irritability\n    * Racing thoughts and talking very fast, jumping from one idea to another\n    * Distractibility, can't concentrate well\n    * Little sleep needed\n    * Unrealistic beliefs in one's abilities and powers\n    * Poor judgment\n    * Spending sprees\n    * A lasting period of behavior that is different from usual\n    * Increased sexual drive\n    * Abuse of drugs, particularly cocaine, alcohol, and sleeping medications\n    * Provocative, intrusive, or aggressive behavior\n    * Denial that anything is wrong\n\nA manic episode is diagnosed if elevated mood occurs with three or more of the other symptoms most of the day, nearly every day, for 1 week or longer. If the mood is irritable, four additional symptoms must be present.\nSigns and symptoms of depression (or a depressive episode) include:\n\n    * Lasting sad, anxious, or empty mood\n    * Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism\n    * Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness\n    * Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed, including sex\n    * Decreased energy, a feeling of fatigue or of being "slowed down"\n    * Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions\n    * Restlessness or irritability\n    * Sleeping too much, or can't sleep\n    * Change in appetite and/or unintended weight loss or gain\n    * Chronic pain or other persistent bodily symptoms that are not caused by physical illness or injury\n    * Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts\n\nA depressive episode is diagnosed if five or more of these symptoms last most of the day, nearly every day, for a period of 2 weeks or longer.
327433
severe mood swings, hearing voices, seperation from family and friends, newly created fears of the out side world, fits of rage without reason...  there are many different symptom classified by the bi_polar disorder!  It is a severe depression and you should go to the dr and talk to them honestly letting them know what is going on so you can get the help you or the refferred person needs!! It can be dangerous mentall and even suicidal if not treated in a timely manner!!!!  Good Luck!!!!
5677
What you are referring to is called "insight". It certainly helps to have insight into your disease, but a lot of times it does not stop people from doing crazy things. Insight is more common for depression. On the other hand people who have manic episodes cannot tell they have a problem (spending lots of money, sexual promiscuity, talking fast, don't need sleep, etc...)\n\nSchizophrenics will often have insight into their disease as well. For example, they may know that the voices they hear aren't real, but coming from inside their head. However, they still hear the voices, and the voices still tell them to do crazy things.
829753
I'd like remark about the comment "I have know 2 people who are bipolar, both who treat the disorder with Ritalin."  I have Bipolar and A.D.D. I take a separate med for the Bipolar (Lamictal) I LOVE IT!!  I take Medadate cd for my A.D.D. which is equivalent to Ritalin.  Not sure how the people you know with Bipolar are doing but I would think that when they go into their High Manic state they could harm themselves or someone else.  I know that until I was treated my Highs were pure RAGE so I can only imagine what could have happened if I were taking an amphetamine alone.\n\nWhat is Bipolar Disorder?\n\nThe exact cause of bipolar disorder is unknown.\n\nBipolar disorder (also known as manic-depression) is a serious, lifelong medical condition. It affects more than 2 million people in the United States. \n\n It’s a medical condition. Bipolar disorder may be related to a chemical imbalance in the brain, genetics, or abnormalities in brain structure. \n\nPeople with bipolar disorder can have mood swings, including depression (extreme lows) and mania (extreme highs). \n\nA period of depression or mania is called an episode. Individuals may experience episodes of depression or mania throughout life. \n\nEpisodes may be separated by long periods with few or no symptoms. To help keep bipolar disorder under control, medication is often taken even when few or no symptoms are present.
738076
Bi polar is a chemical imbalance in the brain which causes and individual to go from feelings of depression to feelings of mania (excitement) very quickly.  You may notice that he has some strange ideas and is very excited at times, and other times very calm or tired acting.  Depends on the individual if the mania or the depression states are worse.  Most people have longer mania states than depression, but suffer worse during the depression states.\n\nYou may notice at times that he appears to have drank a lot of coffee, and at other times, there is no motivation to do anything.  \n\nBest thing for you to do, is be there for him and understand what he is going through.  You can also let him know that you care about him, not his medical condition, but as a friend you would like to see him taking care of himself since you care about him, and want him to continue with his medication.  \n\nHe will thank you for it.
531377
With bipolar disorder, you alternate between episodes of depression and mania. In between, you may return completely to normal or have some remaining symptoms. The extreme mood changes may come on sudThe cause of bipolar disorder is not well understood, although evidence suggests that the disorder runs in families. 3 Your living environment and family situation may also play a role in the disorder. Episodes of depression and mania may be caused by a problem with certain brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. denly or appear more slowly.Almost all people who have bipolar disorder need medication. However, counseling is also important to help you cope with work and relationship struggles related to your illness.Bipolar disorder cannot be prevented. However, there are ways to help manage or prevent mood changes.\n\nThe first and most important preventive measure is to make sure your child takes his or her medications as directed. Bipolar disorder is a long-term condition and generally requires lifelong treatment with medications. However, about 1 in 3 adults remains completely free of symptoms of bipolar disorder just by taking mood-stabilizing medicines, such as carbamazepine, divalproex, or lithium. 8 (There are no statistics available for children.) \n\nReducing stress, getting regular sleep and exercise, and maintaining a daily routine may help prevent mood swings and can help with the symptoms of depression and mania.
338743
yes i can , being bipolar you will have major mood swings. one day you can be so high on life and feel everything is great and the next day you will be so depressed that it is hard to even get out of bed. bipolar can be very dangerous.and if you think you may be bipolar you should seek help right away. i know these things because i am bipolar, manic depressant, and have multiple personalities. good luck and GOD BLESS YOU!!!