Know if You Have Bipolar Disorder

Have you ever wonder if you have bipolar disorder, or have been told you may have it? Bipolar disorder is a type of mood disorder affecting about 1-2% of the population, commonly manifested as elevated mood alternating with depressed mood. This article will help you determine whether or not you, or people you care about, have bipolar disorder.

Steps

 * 1)  [[Image:Manic_Street_Preachers_in_London2005-1_426.jpg|thumb|In a manic episode, you have little need for sleep, and can be quite productive at times!]]First, find out whether you have ever had a manic episode. A manic episode is a period of time over one week when you feel extremely elevated or irritable, during which you have at least three of the following (four if mood is only irritable):
 * 2) *Distractability (unimportant things can easily divert your attention)
 * 3) *Indiscretion (impulsive pleasurable acts with painful consequences)
 * 4) *Grandiosity (or inflated ego)
 * 5) *Flight of ideas
 * 6) *Activity increase toward goals
 * 7) *Sleep deficits (less need for sleep)
 * 8) *Talkativeness (or feels pressured to keep on talking)
 * 9) *The mnemonic for memorizing these manic criteria is "DIG FAST." A manic episode MUST significantly impair your daily functions. IF your symptoms do not cause marked impairment in daily functions, or if the symptoms last for less than a week, but more than 4 days, and still meet at least 3 of the 7 "DIGFAST" criteria, then it is called a hypomanic episode.
 * 10)  [[Image:Depressed_426.jpg|thumb|When you're depressed, you may have little motivation, energy, concentration, appetite, or interest in things you normally enjoy. ]]Next, find out whether you have ever had a major depressive episode. A major depressive episode is a period of time over 2 weeks when you feel sad or have lost interest or pleasure, during which you have five or more of the following:
 * 11) *Sleep problems (can't sleep, wake up early, or sleep too much)
 * 12) *Interest loss (nothing motivates you anymore)
 * 13) *Guilt (excessive feeling of guilt or worthlessness)
 * 14) *Energy decrease (feels tired everyday)
 * 15) *Concentration lacking (easily distracted)
 * 16) *Appetite changes(either not wanting to eat (more common) or eating more)
 * 17) *Psychomotor agitation or retardation (moving faster or slower than usual)
 * 18) *Suicidal thoughts (or feeling you are better off dead)
 * 19) *The mnemonic for memorizing these depression criteria is "SIG E CAPS." To qualify for a major depressive episode, these symptoms MUST significantly impair daily functions.
 * 20)  Finally, find out whether you have Bipolar disorder based on whether or not you have had a manic episode or a major depressive episode, or both. If you have had a manic episode (with or without a depressive episode), then you may have Bipolar I Disorder. If you have had a hypomanic episode AND a major depressive episode (during separate occasions, of course), then you may have Bipolar II disorder.

Tips

 * Remember, to have bipolar disorder, your symptoms must be severe enough to cause marked impairment in your daily function.

Warnings

 * This article is only intended to help you look for possible symptoms of bipolar disorder. It is NOT meant to diagnose or treat. Please see a doctor if you think you or a loved one may have bipolar disorder.