h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Does anyone konw the symptoms of Bi-Polar Disorder? How can you tell if your behavior is indicative of it? Any help would be appreciated.

I've a friend who's bipolar and has been on medication for years. As long as she stays medicated, she does fine. If she goes off her meds, look out.

Here's a link you might check: http://www.dbsalliance.org/info/bipolar.html

Odd coincidence..last night I finished reading 'An Unquiet Mind,' a memoir of a well-known Professor of Psychology who suffers from bipolar disorder (Kay Redfield Jamison).

For a quizz and other information, see:
http://my.webmd.com/content/article/50/40552.htm?z=3074_00000_2205_sp_07
Of course, be sure to talk to an appropriate professional.

For what the DSM-IV (The diagnostic manual professionals use) says:
http://members.iinet.net.au/~fractal1/fdiag3.htm

If you think you may be bipolar, it is extremely important that you consult with a professional, and that if your intuition disagrees with his/her diagnosis that you get a second opinion. While manic-depressives are responsible for some of history's greatest instances of genius, at the other end of the pendulum swing is the potential for terrible damage to one's life - and you should note the hugely increased risk of death by suicide for people who suffer from this disorder. There is no 'cure,' and treatment can be terribly difficult, but it can be difference between life and the possibility of some happiness and death and misery.

I probably sound like I'm overstating the issue - I just want you to take seriously what you are feeling (I'm assuming you..you could be talking about someone else, but same goes).

According to the test, I don't have bi-polar disorder because I had one question under the minimum in part 1 and I haven't found my symptoms too problematic to my life.

"I probably sound like I'm overstating the issue - I just want you to take seriously what you are feeling (I'm assuming you..you could be talking about someone else, but same goes)."

I understand that it is serious, and I was talking aobut myself. I may be overreacting myself, but I think that there is definitely something psychiatricly wrong with me and this seems to fit my symptoms better than anything else.

"at the other end of the pendulum swing is the potential for terrible damage to one's life - and you should note the hugely increased risk of death by suicide for people who suffer from this disorder."

I admit that I have considered suicide at times, but I don't think I am any real risk to myselft as long as I don't have access to a handgun. I'm too much of a coward to kill myself any other way.

I don't really think I'm a danger to my self, but I would like to know what is wrong with me. On the other hand, I don't really want to see a psychiatrist about it, especially since I've developed a general distrust of them.

It's a double-edged sword, isn't it? I only finally went to a shrink after my first husband died - and stopped going a few weeks later when I felt I could do without it. I hate therapy. I'm not sure why, either. I think it's how exposed and trite it makes me feel. I'm not sure how things work where you live, but would you consider going to a doctor about it? They can at least help diagnose and get you a prescription (though they'll still probably want you to get therapy). If you sort of borderline not qualify for bipolar disorder, keep in mind that it usually takes a long time to fully manifest itself, so keep an eye on yourself. And yes - no handguns. Speaking from experience, it is never a good idea to have readily available a quick means of death for a person with compromised mental health. Anyway, hope all is ok, and that you are sorting this all out.

Thanks.

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