With bipolar disorders comes different moods and emotional changes, causing the individual to become unstable. These changes affect their everyday life and make it difficult for them to participate in regular activities. Diagnosis for bipolar is not as straightforward as conducting a blood test or physical exam. Although the disease shows various distinct symptoms, there is currently no test to confirm the condition. Doctors often use a combination of different methods to make a diagnosis.
Signs that you might have BPD
The main characteristic of a person that has bipolar disorder is a constant irregular change of mood (mood episodes), and everyone experiences it differently. People who have bipolar disorder experience depressive episodes [1] and manic episodes [2]. These moods and episodes can last for several days, weeks, or more, this is usually when you begin to suspect BPD. People who have bipolar disorder often experience constant mood changes from mania to depression. Some people suffering from the disorder also have long periods of neutral moods, seeming like there’s nothing wrong with them. Manic episodes of a person that has BPD can vary from different people, but some characteristics of the episodes include:
- An elated, high, or tense feeling
- Sleeping less
- Little or no appetite
- Making dangerous decisions
- Having racing thought
- Feeling like they are untouchable
Depressive episodes also vary from person to person and your symptoms will most likely be at the other end of the spectrum opposite to manic episodes. Signs that you are depressed include:
- Eating more
- Having more sleep
- Feeling extremely sad, hopeless, or empty
- Difficulty concentrating and completing a task
- Having less interest in activities you usually enjoy
- Having a feeling of Self-hatred
- Having suicidal thought