Bipolar Quiz
It is normal to experience good days when everything seems to be going right and we feel really good about life. It is also normal to experience what we call bad days when we feel a little off, and somewhat down. These are moods most likely caused by environmental experiences and physical changes. Bipolar episodes can range between extreme highs and extreme lows, but these manic episodes may not always be present. When a bipolar disorder does not cause an epic episode that is manic for a long period of time or cause extreme depression, it may be more difficult to understand what is happening. While it is estimated that over 2% of the population suffers from some type of bipolar disorder, it is possible that 40% go undiagnosed and untreated.
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Bipolar Quiz
The following is not intended for self diagnosis, but rather as a guide to help a person determine if they need to seek professional help. Characteristically, Bipolar Disorder will present in highs and lows that may increase over the course of a person’s life. In the early onset there may be long periods without episodes or the episodes may be mild in form. Many other types of mental health issues or disorders may exhibit one or more of these symptoms. If you are experiencing three or more of the following it would be advisable to seek professional help and not rely on this Bipolar test.
Manic state:
Extreme experiences of exceptionally good moods or a high state of irritability
1. Grandiose thoughts, thinking you are special, above the norm
2. Increased talkativeness, latching onto whoever will listen and continually talking
3. Increased commitment to new goal activities. Taking on more than you can handle.
4. Choosing risky behaviors or activities (inappropriate sexual involvements, impulsive spending, unwise business decisions, reckless driving,).
5. Able to go without sleep yet energetic and continuing activities all night and possibly for days
6. Thoughts racing, jumping around
7. Easily distracted, going from one project to another, unable to focus or concentrate
8. Extreme focus on one subject to the detriment of other things in your life, possibly even going without eating, bathing
Depression
Symptoms include a persistent sad mood.
1. loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed such as foods, sports, sex, hobbies, family outings
2. Over course of a short time you experience a significant change in appetite or body weight
3. difficulty sleeping or oversleeping, not wanting to get out of bed
4. Slowing down physically, unable to accomplish anything, may feel like you are moving in molasses. Feel mentally foggy, have difficulty thinking or concentrating
5. Energy loss, low energy, don’t feel like self, can’t seem to get started or stay with things because you just don’t have enough energy. Feel as though someone pulled a cork and everything drained out of you.
6. Feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt, feeling bad about circumstances beyond your control
7.Agitation, restlessness, unable to sit still or lie down for any length of time
8. Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide. Depressive episodes of bipolar disorder are often indistinguishable from a major depressive disorder. Anyone experiencing continuous thoughts of suicide needs to seek professional help.
It is possible to experience symptoms from the two states at the same time.
Research Discoveries:
MRI studies of different activity in specific circuits of the brain responsible for extreme mood shifts, high levels of energy and function of those with bipolar disorder, examine brain function and structure. This research focuses on identifying and characterizing networks of interconnected nerve cells in the brain, interactions among which form the basis for normal and abnormal behaviors. Findings indicate the possibility that abnormalities in the structure and/or function of certain brain circuits could underlie bipolar and other mood disorders. This could ultimately aid diagnosis.
Other studies show an appearance of specific abnormalities, or lesions, found in the white matter of the brain in patients with bipolar disorder. White matter consists of groups of nerve cell fibers surrounded by fatty sheaths that appear white in color. These sheaths help the transmission of electrical signals within the brain. While the white matter abnormalities appear in many parts of the brain in individuals with bipolar disorder, they tend to be concentrated in areas that are responsible for emotional processing. These brain changes appear more often than normal in young patients with bipolar disorder. Some patients with bipolar disorder do not show the white matter,
Exceptional Intellect and Creativity
Findings, published in the British Journal of Psychiatry, support a commonly held belief that exceptional intellectual ability is associated with bipolar disorder. Famous sufferers may include Sir Winston Churchill, Michelangelo, Picasso, Mozart, Rudyard Kipling, Charles Dickens, Sir Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin and Christopher Columbus. The information used for these determinations are letters, and anecdotal reports in history. Whether these reports actually suggest a link between high IQ and bipolar disorder was difficult to determine in the past - but now, there is scientific evidence for such a connection.
According to the Karolinska Institute of Sweden: people with bipolar disorder often experience unusually strong emotional responses, which may help their talent in art, music and literature. People with hypomania often have extraordinary stamina and can keep concentrating for long periods of time on the same subject matter. Researchers analysed the exam results of more than 700,000 Swedish teenagers and discovered those with the most excellent performance were nearly four times as likely to develop bipolar disorder as adults, compared to those with average grades. The results of these studies may explain why many high achievers in the arts show symptoms of bipolar disorder. These results were the same in the studies regardless of environment, parental education, or economic status.
Supplemental Support for Bipolar Disorder
While people suffering from bipolar disorder should not try to manage their own treatment -- there are some "natural" things that they can do to help matters considerably.
- Omega-3 fatty acids "These are important modulators of inflammation in both the peripheral and central nervous systems," Dr. Anderson told me. He recommends at least 1 gram per day of the two important fatty acids found in fish, EPA and DHA , typically as 1 gram of the mixed EPA/DHA oil... and sometimes adds 200 mg to 400 mg of GLA (gamma-linolenic acid). "We sometimes prescribe as much as six grams of essential fatty acids a day before seeing clinical results," he said.
- Exercise "Most bipolar patients -- but especially those who are medicated -- report feeling better when they exercise regularly," said Dr. Anderson. Recommended regimen: Any kind of moderate exercise, including brisk walking... three or four days a week for 30 minutes.
- B-complex "Manic brain chemistry will use up B vitamins very quickly due to quicker brain metabolism and increased use," Dr. Anderson said. A high-potency B complex, in addition to the separate B-12, taken daily provide good support for the spotty diet many sufferers have.
- Calcium and magnesium "Magnesium and calcium are especially helpful for people on lithium since it helps to alleviate the muscle cramping, twitching or weakness that can be a side effect of that drug."
While the above four recommendations are safe bets for just about anyone suffering from bipolar disorder, Dr. Anderson has also used two other supplements with good effect. One is molybdenum, which helps the brain and liver get rid of sulfite salts that can be toxic to those with bipolar disorder. The other is selenium, which helps support the excretion of heavy metals.( Your medical doctor can order a simple test for heavy metals in your body). Dr. Anderson recommends 50 mcg to 200 mcg of molybdenum once a day on an empty stomach... and between 200 to 400 mcg of selenium, which can be taken with food.
Sadly, bipolar disorder is not an easily fixed condition.
Source: Paul Anderson, ND, a core faculty member in the naturopathic medicine program of Bastyr University, teaching in the Clinical Science division. He has taught as adjunct or visiting professor at many US naturopathic medical schools, as well as many other universities and colleges.
Caution:
There is a lot of information online about Bipolar Disorder; some of it is inaccurate. The articles on this site were researched and written by a person with over 15 years experience as a mental health professional.
Difficulties in Diagnosis of Bipolar Symptoms
Substance abuse, depression and other disorders may mask the existence of bipolar symptoms and as a result prevent diagnosis. Even in the case of those who receive an accurate diagnosis, many receive inadequate treatment. Bipolar medication and psychotherapy may both be required.
Although Bipolar disorder presents most often in late adolescence or early adulthood, it may begin in childhood. It may also be triggered later in life during high stress situations along with the physical and medical conditions associated with late onset Bipolar Disorder. There are some similarities in the markers for Schizophrenia and studies are being done to determine if this is another syndrome for this mental health category
Numerous studies have found that among people with bipolar disorder, women are more likely than men to have a thyroid disorder. Since too much or too little thyroid hormone alone can lead to mood and energy fluctuations, it is important that thyroid levels are carefully monitored in all patients with bipolar disorder.
Bipolar Treatment:
It is important to not self diagnose or self treat for Bipolar Disorder. Episodes of depression and mania can flare up across the course of one’s life, often disrupting work, school, family, and social life. Despite the fact that an episode may stop on its own due to cycling, treatment to achieve and maintain a balanced state is extremely important. Some people attempt to treat their symptoms with alcohol or drugs. This only leads to worse problems. Without effective treatment, the illness can lead to suicidal tendencies.
If a person has four or more episodes of illness within a 12-month period they are considered to be in a state of rapid cycling. This is a more difficult form of the illness to treat. . Inpatient hospitalization is often necessary to treat severe episodes of mania and depression.
People who experience euphoric states during manic periods are often reluctant to go on medications as they lose this high pleasurable state when they are balanced What must be considered is the overall detrimental effect that the bipolar disorder symptoms as a whole have on their lives and their families.
Some people have milder symptoms, experiencing increased energy, euphoria, and irritability, or have moderate depressive episodes without being highly manic.