Bipolar 101 -- Answers to basic questions

If you're new to bipolar disorder for either yourself or a loved one, we encourage you to spend a few minutes reading Psych Central's Bipolar guide:

Bipolar Disorder - LifeHelper

In it, you'll find answers to your commonly asked questions:

- What is bipolar disorder, what are the symptoms?
- What are the most common treatments?
- What should I talk to my doctor about?
- What are some frequently asked questions about bipolar?
- Where can I find more resources about bipolar?

Thanks,
DocJohn

hello everyone,

I would like to know, if anyone who was diagnosed with bipolar I or II disorders has ever had electric-convulsive-therapy? Has it been effective in treating your bipolar illness? Any long-term side-effects such as short-term memory loss?

If you care to share, it will be very helpful to me. I will be ongoing this surgical procedure within a week to 10 days? Any thoughts or comments for me, would be extremely helpful for me!

hi im pretty sure i may be suffering with bipolar disorder.
me and my friend who ironically enough thinks she has it to are planning to get checked out asap.
can u tell me what i should expect if im diagnosed?

did anyone resond>i am new to this site and i would like to read the response because i am thinking i might be bipolar II

is it really associated with ADHD? if that's the case then i have a puzzle.
my grandfather has bipolar I, as do i- and my brother has ADHD. does he have a chance of getting bipolar? is bipolar even hereditary?

Please come to Bipolar chat Tonight at 8 o'clock est!!

I think Doc John could shed light on this...but I think research is say yes.....both my nephew and I have been diag with Bipolar I rapid cycling for yrs now. My adult daughter is also showing signs.

Bipolar can be genetic, it can also happen for no reason. I do not know about ADHD or not. Just because you are bipolar does not mean that other membersof your family will get it. My mom suffers from depression, is not on meds, my sister had post-partum depression and was on meds, not sure if she is or not, my dad has panic disorder, as do I and my brother and sister do like-wise. I have Bipolar NOS- non specified-not bipolar 1, and not enough symptoms to be Bipolar 2, but I have been manic, hypo-manic and suffer from bipolar depression from time to time. Being on meds keeps me from being manic or hypo-manic. You may want to talk to your doctor about adjusting your medicatios if you are experiencing mania, your meds may need to be tweeked.

Having ADHD does not "predispose" someone to developing Bipolar, but they mania part of bipolar can sometimes be misdiagnosed as ADHD. Try going to the Bipolar definition on this web site and it will describe the symptoms. I have done a lot of online research and read books on it since I was diagnosed about 10 years ago. Good luck!

Yes it is. My dad's dad had it,my dad had it and so do I.

Bipolar disorder is hereditary. It can be caused by a traumatic event in your,life. A hard hit to the head like one that knocks you out. And childhood trauma as abuse physical or sexual.

I myself was diagnosed with bipolar ten years ago everybodys symptoms are different all I can share are my personal symptoms and diagnosis while I was only diagnosed ten years ago I recognise now I had the symptoms in a more subtle way all through my teens but they were symptoms all the same. Anyway Im not gonna keep you all day I went through a very troubled adolesence it began with very low self esteem leading into periods of depression my answer was substance abuse then on a few occasions I would have abnormal amounts of energy I went everywhere looking for help but I had no signs of elation or depression as the ilness progressed my periods of elation became a lot more prevalent to the point where I was becoming delusional varying from thinking I was Jesus to thinking famous pop singers wanted to be with me I have struggled to control my illness up until recently using substances to cope it took ten years of hell to get me to the level of understanding I have now and all I can say is if you do think you have bipolar get it seen to right away and Im here if you need to talk it is possible to lead a full life with bipolar

Yes You Can! i just know when im feeling the moment.I try hard not to establish new relationships because it can be stressful. Definitely stay away from the booze and seek hobbies, more natural treatments i.e. riding a bike, jogging,walking,mini travels. I say mini travels because thats all I can afford to do but it helps. If Im in a stressful relationship I let it go. Its my health and sanity I focus on now.

i am new to this site to. I was diagnosed bypolar type 2 when I was 25 i am now 32. I have been taking medication for this disorder and sleep problems associated with it. I was diagnosed when i was in a rehabilitation center by the veteran center while there. I honestly at the time did not want to believe that I was classified being a manic depressive type personality so i sought out other doctors who in turn told me that i was in fact bypolar. If you go to a doctor or a physch be honest with them and be open to the fact that you may or may not have a brain chemistry problem. I have learned that when i choose not to take my meds as prescribed by the doctor i run in a manic state with very little depression. I have racing thoughts, its hard to concentrate. I sometimes feel like i can feel the hair growing out of my head. I tend to get more accomplised but have very little follow through or completion with my work. mean i start something in a manic state and dont follow through. But, when I am on my meds life is easier to take controll of. I am able to stay foccussed and work a steady job or devote my full time and energy to something. Bypolar can take years to treat with medication. I have been on several meds with sideaffects and am and have been on the same meds that have worked well for me for years. My suggestion to you is to research bypolar if you show signs of the sympton see a doctor. ALthough they might be expensive the proper diagnoses and the right medication could save you some sanity.

If you are diagnosed be prepared to advocate for yourself and do research because bipolar effects a lot of people differently. You will need to try different medications, coping skills, and different means of support.

Hey I'm bipolar II and If you're diagnosed, it'll take a moment to take it in, and it might be rough at first. You might also be put on meds depending on the severity of mania and depression. With the help of therapy and medication, you should be okay!
Just for reference, Im taking: morning: lithium(150mg)+abilify(2mg)
dinner: lithium(300mg) night: seroquel(25mg)
I take lithium for impulse and mood, abilify for depression and mania, and then seroquel to help me sleep.
Good luck to both !!

Just saw your post now. Personaly, you could start by reading about it and take one of the quizzes here on psychcentral. But be aware that it can give you a false positive depending on your interpretation of the questions and how you see things that day. Then a psychiatrist will have a long interview with you to discuss your life from childhood to today. He will also test you with one or two questionnaires (one is for all mental illnesses and the other, a personality test). The first time I was there, this whole process took almost 3 hours. But be aware, everybody has ups and downs, and we all respond differently to stuff that happens in life. Some will be more affected than others but it does not necessarely mean that someone is bipolar. Almost everyone in this society is affected by seasonal changes. One thing for sure that should be checked first, is your thyroid gland. An imbalance or Hashimoto's can mimic bipolar and/or depression, mood changes and increased or decreased energy. This gland can sometimes be working too much or not enough and can also alternate in the process. I hope you and your friend are doing fine and that you found answers to your questions. Take care.

Hi you should go see a psychiatrist. Try to find one that specializes in treating Bipolar, this way you know you are in good hands and also you can go for a 2nd opinion once get checked out. be honest about all your symptoms. I am not bipolar but I was treated for depression and the dr was suspicious of BP. goodlluck!

Well, once you get diagnosed with something, you will be better able to handle it because you will know what you're actually fighting against. Plus they will probably want you on medication and maybe see a counselor as well. Bipolar is so unpredictable and it has to be treated.

Well depending on the severity of the disorder their probably going to give you medication. This is to stabilize your mood, but most bipolar individuals typically reject taking the medication, or get off it when they start to feel better. Anyway, again it depends on how dysfunctional you are. Has the disorder impacted your relationships, work, and social life? If it has then you'll probably get medicated (this is up to you). If its not so bad then they'll just give you "light meds". They will also suggest you do psychotherapy.

the medications are not so bad I feel much better on them. But I have more lows than highs. dont worry your life will not change that dramatically you'll just become more aware of your disorder and how to manage it.

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