Do you sometimes feel so happy and energetic that you could fly high? But other days, do you feel so sad that you want to leave the earth and feel like you're bored with life? It's not normal for your emotions to suddenly jump back and forth. Today, we're talking about a mental condition that can be associated with this kind of experience, but that many people don't really know about. That's bipolar disorder .
Why is bipolar disorder so difficult to diagnose?
Simply put, bipolar disorder is a condition in which a person's mood swings rapidly between two extremes. One extreme is mania, a state of extreme happiness, excitement, and activity. The other extreme is depression, a state of extreme sadness, grief, and a feeling of hopelessness. It is not difficult to recognize the disease for someone who clearly sees these symptoms.
But the problem is, bipolar disorder doesn't always come out this clearly. Sometimes it behaves in very subtle ways.
- Your mania may be very subtle and short-lived. We call this hypomania . It may go unnoticed, so it may not seem like a big difference to you or to those around you.
- Depression can be very intense and overshadow other symptoms.
- Sometimes, symptoms of both mania and depression can occur at the same time.
- Drug or alcohol use can complicate symptoms and make diagnosis more difficult.
For these reasons, diagnosing bipolar disorder can sometimes be a challenge. Consider this: Studies have found that about 20% of people who see a doctor for depression may actually have bipolar disorder . And half of people with bipolar disorder see about three professionals before receiving an accurate diagnosis.
Remember, bipolar is not a weakness or a lack of control. It is a condition that can be well managed with treatment.
Depression and bipolar disorder overlap
Even doctors often misdiagnose someone with bipolar disorder as just having depression. This is especially common in the milder form of bipolar 2 disorder . This is because the episodes of mania (hypomania) are so subtle that they can go unnoticed. A person with bipolar 2 spends most of their time suffering from depressive symptoms.
Bipolar 1 Disorder is easier to identify because the mania is more severe and obvious. However, they can also experience frequent episodes of depression.
The most important thing here is to distinguish between bipolar disorder and unipolar depression , which is a condition in which there are only depression and no manic episodes. Therefore, anyone who is being treated for depression should have their doctor ask them if they have ever had manic or hypomanic episodes in their life.
The relationship between drug use and bipolar
Drug and alcohol use complicates the diagnosis and treatment of bipolar disorder. Research suggests that about 60% of people with bipolar disorder are addicted to drugs or alcohol.
Managing bipolar symptoms with drug use can be very difficult. When someone is actively using drugs, it is difficult to tell whether their mood swings are due to the illness or the drugs.
For example, when using a drug like cocaine, a person may appear to be hyperactive and excited (manic). However, when the effects of the drug wear off, they may suddenly fall into a depressive "crash." Therefore, when treating bipolar disorder, it is essential to pay attention to and treat the substance use as well.
Teens and Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder often begins in adolescence, between the ages of 15 and 19. The illness can be particularly severe during this time. Children in this age group are also at higher risk of suicide.
Sadly, bipolar disorder often goes undiagnosed and untreated among young children. This is because children's behaviors and emotions change during adolescence, and these symptoms are dismissed as "just a normal part of life."
If your child consistently exhibits these symptoms, be concerned.
| Bipolar symptoms in young children | |
|---|---|
| Symptoms of mania | Symptoms of Depression |
| Being excessively happy or cheerful for no reason | To be in a state of deep sadness or despair |
| Getting angry very quickly, irritability | Feeling lonely, withdrawing from society |
| Excessive restlessness, agitation | Overeating or anorexia |
| Talking very fast, thoughts changing rapidly | The body has no strength. |
| Overthinking one's abilities and power | Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy |
| Taking risks without thinking about the consequences | Oversleeping |
Some of these symptoms are common in healthy young children, but if they persist and interfere with a child's education, family life, and friendships, it is something that should definitely be taken into consideration.
In such a case, it is very important to consult a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist . He or she will be able to assess the child's condition, determine if it is bipolar or another condition such as ADHD or Anxiety Disorders , and provide the necessary treatment.
Take-Home Message
- Bipolar isn't just about mood swings. It's about swinging between extremes of happiness (mania) and depression.
- This condition is often misdiagnosed as depression. If you have ever had periods of high energy or excitement, be sure to tell your doctor about it.
- Drug and alcohol use can worsen symptoms and make treatment ineffective, so it's important to treat both problems at the same time.
- If you notice a persistent, unusual change in the behavior and emotions of a young child in your family, don't ignore it. Seek expert medical advice.
- With a correct diagnosis and proper treatment, someone with bipolar disorder can live a full, healthy life.
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