16 of 107

Illness

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 3

to look for in a Depressive(or low) Episode include

1. Sadness, emptiness, hopelessness which lasts for a long period of time
2. Pessimism or feelings that everybody is better without them
3. Displaying feelings of guilt, helplessness or worthlessness
4. Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
5. Decreased energy
6. Difficulties making decisions, concentration and remembering

7. Irritability
8. Unable to sleep or sleeping too much
9. Extreme change in appetite and/or unintended weight gain/loss
10. Chronic pain or other physical persistent symptoms which are not caused by physical
injury
11. Unkempt and/or dirty appearance
12. Thoughts of death or suicide.

Now, I am not saying that if you or someone you know have these symptoms this automatically makes you or them Bipolar. A Manic Episode can be diagnosed as such if there is at least 3 symptoms most of the day, close to every day for a period of 1 week or longer. If the mood is irritable, then 4 additional symptoms also need to be present.

To be able to diagnose a Depressive Episode, there should be 5 or more symptoms that last most of the day, close to every day for a period of 2 weeks or longer.

The condition may also go hand in hand with a form of Psychosis. Common symptoms of a psychosis nature include

1. Hallucinations (seeing, hearing or sensing the presence of something not actually there)
2. Delusions (Strong, illogical beliefs which are not able to be explained and are usually
false)

Psychosis in Bipolar Disorder usually reflect on the type of mood the person is in at that time. My brother in law used to say that he was President or had various powers during times of Mania. This was also when he was talking about meeting Princess Diana.

Delusions of guilt and worthlessness take their form more so in the Depressive state. My brother in law felt that he had committed a horrible crime and that everybody around him hated him and wanted him dead. This was also when he imagined that his Managers hated him at work.

People displaying Psychosis are usually mis diagnosed as being Schizophrenic (another serious long term illness).

My brother in law was fortunately diagnosed and treated with various drugs to help contain this illness. Unfortunately some of the side effects of the drugs that he was put on made him worse, and one day my sister came home to find him with cuts and bruises on himself. He admitted he had done it to himself but said he had no control over it. He was scared and felt that he was a burden to everyone.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2
• 3
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Bipolar disorder: Illness or excuse??
We want to hear your view. Write now!