One Mans Journey

Bipolar Disorder

One Man's Journey to a diagnosis

    Bipolar disorder, formally known as manic-depressive insanity ,according to the DSM-IV is defined as a person experiencing periods of depression and also periods of elation or manic episodes that last at least a week at one time, or at least for four days. .During periods of mania the mind is racing at top speed with ideas and plans.   Thoughts of activities, excessive talking, writing, spending sprees, with little need for sleep.   The person may feel excessive feelings of grandeur and self- importance during this time.   They may become irritable, angry and even violent with anyone who refuses to go along with these ideas.
According to the NIMH (national institute of mental health) a person who is suffering from this disorder would experience some of the following symptoms:
• Increased energy, activity and restlessness
• Excessively high overly good euphoric mood
• Extreme irritability
• Racing thoughts and talking very fast, jumping from one idea to another
• Distractibility and not able to concentrate very well
• Lack of sleep and low need for sleep
• Unrealistic beliefs about ones self and powers
• Poor judgment
• Spending sprees
• A long period of behavior that is different from usual
• Drug abuse. Alcohol and sleep aid abuse
• Provocative, intrusive and aggressive behavior
• Denial that anything is wrong

With the bipolar disorder there are the manic episodes and then the depressed episodes.   The manic   episodes, or periods of elation are diagnosed when three of these symptoms are also present.   The severe bipolar disorder leaves the person with impaired occupational and social functioning and with periods of hospitalization.
A lesser form of bipolar Disorder called Cyclothymia as defined by the DSM-IV-TR is a milder form of the Bipolar Disorder but minus certain psychotic features and delusions and the impairment as seen in the full bipolar disorder.
This disorder certainly is... [continues]

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