Everyone experiences the normal ups and downs in life. Bipolar depression is different in that the degree and rapidity of the change from manic to depressive are beyond what a regular person would experience. Frequently, the signs of bipolar depression are so severe that they can lead to damaged relationships, inadequate job or school performance, and even suicide.
According to a current survey report, about 5.7 million American adults age 18 and older have bipolar depression. That is roughly 2.6 percent of the entire population. The good news is that bipolar depression can be dealt with, and those experiencing this illness can lead full and productive lives. The most essential thing to remember about bipolar depression is that there are two moods involved, each of which are accompanied by unique sets of symptoms and signs.
During a manic episode, the signs can include increased energy and restlessness, excessive feelings of being high, or extremely euphoric, extreme irritability, racing thoughts and talking really fast, typically jumps from one idea to another, Easily gets sidetracked, cannot focus at all, needs little rest, unrealistic beliefs in ones capabilities and powers, poor judgment, spending sprees, enhanced sexual drive, abuse of drugs, specifically cocaine, liquor, and sleeping medications, provocative, intrusive, or aggressive behavior, and denial that anything is wrong.
When an individual is in an elevated state of mind, accompanied by three or more of the above signs nearly every day for one week or longer, the medical diagnosis is likely a manic episode Go to the web site . If the common state of mind is irritability, it must be accompanied by four other signs in order to warrant a diagnosis of manic episode.
During a depressive episode, an individual with bipolar depression may suffer any of the following symptoms:
Pervasive feelings of sadness, stress and anxiety, emptiness, feelings of hopelessness or pessimism, guilt, unimportance or helplessness, marked reduction of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed, including sex, reduced energy, feelings of fatigue, or of being slowed down, restlessness or irritability, sleeping too much or sleeping too little, unexplained weight loss or gain, persistent pain or other persistent bodily symptoms with no known cause, thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts.
To detect a depressive episode, the person has to exhibit 5 or more of these signs as well, and they should last most of the day, nearly every day, for a period of two weeks or longer.