Sunday, August 27, 2006
The exact cause of bipolar disorder is unknown. It’s a medical condition. Bipolar disorder may be related to a chemical imbalance in the brain, genetics, or abnormalities in brain structure. People with bipolar disorder can have mood swings, including depression (extreme lows) and mania (extreme highs).
Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
If you have bipolar disorder, you may recognize many of the symptoms below. Not everyone has exactly the same symptoms.
Symptoms of depression may include:
Feeling sad or blue, or "down in the dumps"
Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy, including sex
Feeling worthless, hopeless, or guilty
Sleeping too little or too much
Changes in weight or appetite
Feeling tired or having little or no energy
Feeling restless
Inability to concentrate and stay focused
Problems concentrating or making decisions
Thoughts of death or suicide
Symptoms of mania may include:
Increased energy level
Less need for sleep
Racing thoughts or mind jumps around
Easily distracted
More talkative than usual or feeling pressure to keep talking
More self-confident than usual
Focused on getting things done, but often completing little
Risky or unusual activities to the extreme, even if it's likely bad things will happen
Here are some behaviors that may be seen in people with bipolar disorder:
Uncalled for agitation
Alcohol or drug abuse
Irritability
Excessive gambling
Violence
Poor judgment with decisions
Careless spending, buying sprees
Talking about hurting oneself
Risky sex or change in sexual activity
Impulsive financial investments
More arguments
Change in energy level, appetite, or sleep pattern
Relationship problems at home or work
Mounting debt
Legal/criminal issues
someone sent me this. hmm.of cos not..
* i'll close my eyes and remember. 3:25 PM *
