Diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder
cont. from
Like other mental illnesses,
bipolar disorder cannot yet be identified
physiologically for example, through a blood test or a brain scan. Therefore, a
diagnosis of bipolar disorder is made
on the basis of symptoms, course of
illness, and, when available, family history. The diagnostic criteria for
bipolar disorder are described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for
Mental Disorders, fourth edition (DSM-IV).
Descriptions offered by people with bipolar disorder give valuable insights
into the various mood states associated with the illness:
Depression: I doubt completely my ability to do anything well.
It seems as though my mind has slowed down and burned out to the point of
being virtually useless…. [I am] haunt[ed]… with the total, the desperate
hopelessness of it all…. Others say, "It's only temporary, it will pass, you
will get over it," but of course they haven't any idea of how I feel,
although they are certain they do. If I can't feel, move, think or care,
then what on earth is the point?
Hypomania: At first when I'm high, it's tremendous… ideas are
fast… like shooting stars you follow until brighter ones appear…. All
shyness disappears, the right words and gestures are suddenly there…
uninteresting people, things become intensely interesting. Sensuality is
pervasive, the desire to seduce and be seduced is irresistible. Your marrow
is infused with unbelievable feelings of ease, power, well-being,
omnipotence, euphoria… you can do anything… but, somewhere this changes.
Mania: The fast ideas become too fast and there are far too
many… overwhelming confusion replaces clarity… you stop keeping up with
it—memory goes. Infectious humor ceases to amuse. Your friends become
frightened…. everything is now against the grain… you are irritable, angry,
frightened, uncontrollable, and trapped.
Some people with bipolar disorder become suicidal. Anyone who is thinking
about committing suicide needs immediate attention, preferably from a mental
health professional or a physician. Anyone who talks about suicide should be
taken seriously. Risk for suicide appears to be higher earlier in the course
of the illness. Therefore, recognizing bipolar disorder early and learning how
best to manage it may decrease the risk of death by suicide.
Signs and symptoms that may accompany suicidal feelings include:
- talking about feeling suicidal or wanting to die
- feeling hopeless, that nothing will ever change or get better
- feeling helpless, that nothing one does makes any difference
- feeling like a burden to family and friends
- abusing alcohol or drugs
- putting affairs in order (e.g., organizing finances or giving away
possessions to prepare for one's death)
- writing a suicide note
- putting oneself in harm's way, or in situations where there is a danger
of being killed
If you are feeling suicidal or know someone who is:
- call a doctor, emergency room, or 911 right away to get immediate help
- make sure you, or the suicidal person, are not left alone
- make sure that access is prevented to large amounts of medication,
weapons, or other items that could be used for self-harm
While some suicide attempts are carefully planned over time, others are
impulsive acts that have not been well thought out; thus, the final point in the
box above may be a valuable long-term strategy for people with bipolar disorder.
Either way, it is important to understand that suicidal feelings and actions are
symptoms of an illness that can be treated. With proper treatment, suicidal
feelings can be overcome.
continue: Causes and Course of Bipolar,
Children with Bipolar
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send to friend . bipolar site map
Reviewed: 04/2006
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