Behavioral health conditions
Bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder, previously known as manic depression, is an illness involving one or more episodes of serious mania and depression. The illness causes a person to have severe mood swings—from excessively “high” and/or irritable to sad and hopeless, with periods of a normal mood in between. In addition, major depressive disorder is often misdiagnosed in those with bipolar disorder, as patients only tend to seek help when they’re experiencing a period of depression. A thorough understanding of the patient’s mood tendencies is key to an accurate diagnosis—and referral to an appropriate mental health professional.
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The symptoms of mania can include:
- Excessive energy, activity, restlessness, rapid talking
- Denial that anything is wrong
- Extreme “high” or euphoric feelings
- Easily irritated or distracted
- Decreased need for sleep
- Unrealistic beliefs in one’s ability and powers
Symptoms of depression can include:
- Persistent sad, anxious mood
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Change in appetite and weight
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
- Irritability or restlessness
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering
- Fatigue or loss of energy
- Persistent physical symptoms
- Thoughts of death or suicide
- Feeling guilty, hopeless or worthless