Bipolar disorder, the more commonly used term for manic depression, can be difficult to recognize. Because most individuals only exhibit manic depression symptoms during an episode, no one may suspect they have a mental illness for years. In fact, when a bipolar is finally made, it’s usually after treatment has been sought for depression or addiction. Understanding what bipolar disorder symptoms to watch for in a loved one can make it easier to recognize the disorder and to get treatment for that person.
Instructions
Recognize Manic Depression Symptoms
1. Educate yourself. Before you begin looking for manic depression symptoms, read up on bipolar disorder so you have a better understanding of the mental illness. Some people have misconceptions about the disorder, such as that people’s moods change hourly or daily. The more you know about manic depression the better able you will be to recognize the symptoms.
2. Take notes. When you suspect your loved one is having an episode and is either in a manic or depressive period, write down notes about their behaviors. For example, if your loved one comes into the house with hundreds of dollars worth of purchases, this can be a sign of a manic period and should be noted. If your loved one refuses to come out of his or her room, write that down, too. Your notes will be able to help the physician or psychiatrist make a diagnosis.
3. Talk to a physician. If you believe your loved one is exhibiting bipolar disorder symptoms, speak to a physician about what to do next. Your loved one is unlikely to seek treatment willingly, especially if he or she is in a manic period. The doctor may be able to recommend a way to encourage your loved one to make an appointment.
4. Rule out other problems. Before a bipolar disorder diagnosis can be made, your loved one needs to visit a physician for a thorough examination. Some health problems can cause problems that can be mistaken for manic depression symptoms. Alcohol and drug use should also be ruled out.
5. See a psychiatrist. The physician alone will not be able to determine if your loved one has bipolar disorder. Instead, the doctor will probably refer you to a psychiatrist. The psychiatrist will need to review your loved one’s family history and the notes you’ve taken. He or she will also need to rule out other types of mental illnesses, including Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Depression, and Schizophrenia.
6. Receive the bipolar disorder diagnosis. After the evaluation is complete, the psychiatrist will make a diagnosis and recommend a course of treatment. Most people who have bipolar disorder are treated with a combination of prescription drugs and counseling. If the individual’s manic or depressive mood is severe, he or she may need to stay at the hospital or a mental health facility until the moods stabilize.
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