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How to Recognize the Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder. Also known as manic depression, bipolar disorder
is a mental illness that can be controlled with medication. Learn to spot this condition's
hallmark behaviors. You will need Observation and intervention. Step 1. Look for mood swings
-- either abnormally elated or excessively angry or sad and hopeless. Onset may be gradual
or dramatic, and behavior can be unpredictable. The key is that these mood shifts interfere
with a person's life and ability to function. Bipolar disorder can show up as early as childhood,
although it more commonly develops in late adolescence or adulthood. Step 2. Recognize
a manic stage. Symptoms include a change in mood that may include euphoria, increased
energy, a decreased need for sleep, restlessness, impulsiveness, and risky behavior like spending
sprees and drug and alcohol abuse. Step 3. Recognize a depressive phase, which can manifest
as sadness; hopelessness; insomnia or an excessive need for sleep; changes in appetite; and thoughts
of death or suicide. Step 4. Know the three main types of the disorder: Bipolar I involves
manic episodes with or without a depressive phase; Bipolar II, which involves depression
and at least one hypomanic episode, which is similar to mania but is less severe; and
Bipolar NOS -- standing for Not Otherwise Specified -- in which a person's symptoms
don't neatly fit into either category. People with less intense mood swings may have a condition
called cyclothymia Step 5. Watch for psychotic behavior: If a BD sufferer sees or hears things
that aren't there, or suffers from delusions, they are showing signs of psychosis and should
not be left alone. Seek treatment immediately. Step 6. See a mental health professional if
you are displaying any signs of bipolar disorder, and encourage anyone you know with these symptoms
to do the same. Bipolar disorder can be controlled with medication, and tends to get worse if
it's left untreated. Did you know Bipolar disorder affects approximately 5.7 million
American adults.