Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes a person to experience extreme changes in mood, energy, and behavior. These changes go beyond normal ups and downs and can affect daily life, relationships, and work.
While bipolar disorder can be managed with the right treatment, recognizing the early signs is key to getting help sooner. Studies show that early detection and proper treatment can lead to better long-term outcomes.
There are two main types of bipolar disorder: bipolar I and bipolar II. Bipolar I involves more severe manic episodes, while bipolar II includes less intense “hypomanic” episodes along with periods of depression.
Before a person is officially diagnosed, they often show early signs that something is wrong. These early warning signs can begin in the teenage years or early adulthood, though they can also appear in childhood.
One of the most common early signs is noticeable mood swings that are more intense than usual. A person might feel extremely happy, full of energy, and overly confident one moment, and then suddenly become very sad, tired, or hopeless.
During manic or hypomanic periods, people may talk very fast, sleep less, feel restless, take risky actions, or have racing thoughts. They may seem unusually excited or irritable. On the other hand, in depressive episodes, they may feel overwhelmed, lose interest in things they used to enjoy, have trouble sleeping or sleeping too much, and feel worthless or empty.
Research has found that many people who go on to develop bipolar disorder often show signs of depression first. A study published in the journal Bipolar Disorders found that about 60% of people with bipolar disorder had a depressive episode before they ever had a manic or hypomanic one.
This can make diagnosis difficult, because early symptoms may look like regular depression. Doctors sometimes misdiagnose bipolar disorder as depression, especially if the person hasn’t yet had a manic episode.
Changes in behavior are also an early clue. Family and friends might notice that the person becomes unusually impulsive, overly social, or argumentative. They may spend more money than usual, act more flirtatiously, or jump from one idea to another during a conversation.
These changes can seem exciting at first, but they often lead to problems at school, work, or in relationships.
Sleep patterns are another red flag. People developing bipolar disorder often have disturbed sleep. They may go for days with little or no sleep during manic phases and feel exhausted or sleep excessively during depressive ones. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, disrupted sleep is not just a symptom but may also play a role in triggering mood episodes.
Family history also matters. Bipolar disorder often runs in families, so people with a parent or sibling who has the condition are at higher risk. A review in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that having a first-degree relative with bipolar disorder increases the risk significantly. However, not everyone with a family history will develop the condition.
Recognizing these signs early can help people seek professional help before the condition worsens. If someone shows repeated mood swings, behavior changes, sleep problems, and episodes of extreme highs or lows, it’s important to talk to a mental health professional.
Diagnosis usually involves a full psychiatric evaluation, and treatment may include medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes.
In summary, bipolar disorder often begins with signs that can be mistaken for other issues like stress, anxiety, or simple moodiness.
But understanding the pattern of mood swings, noticing changes in energy and behavior, and knowing your family history can help identify the disorder early. With early support and treatment, many people with bipolar disorder can lead stable, fulfilling lives.
If you care about health, please read studies that scientists find a core feature of depression and this metal in the brain strongly linked to depression.
For more information about health, please see recent studies about drug for mental health that may harm the brain, and results showing this therapy more effective than ketamine in treating severe depression.
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