Bipolar Disorder Diagnosis

In the same way that there are clear indicators of a manic episode that is either in full swing or about to happen, there are equally clear indicators of when the mood cycle is about to swing in the opposite direction. Although some of these will be very similar to the symptoms of major depression, these are the things that you should teach yourself to look out for:

Physical changes: If someone who is a bipolar disorder sufferer starts to complain of unexplained aches and pains, this might indicate that they are beginning to feel sorry for themselves and that they have little natural resistance. Similarly, if their appetite booms or disappears and their weight increases or decreases as a direct result of eating more or less, it could be another indicator of a depressed episode.

Emotional maladies: Anyone who is depressed is going to be wracked with negative feelings about their life, so if someone is almost permanently sad or given to bouts of uncontrollable crying, you have a clear indication of a depressed episode. In the same way, if someone is suffering uncontrollable guilt, feelings of worthlessness, helplessness, hopelessness or despair, these feelings represent a sign that they are entering or have entered a depressed episode.

Difficult behavior and moods: Whereas a manic episode is often marked by irritability and/or aggression, the depressed end of the mood spectrum is more likely to be marked by extreme anxiety, worry and pessimism. It is quite common for a bipolar sufferer to swing between self-criticism and indifference about life in general, and although it is less common, they may also be irritable and/or aggressive.

Decreased energy and activity levels: If a bipolar sufferer suddenly exhibits decreased energy levels so that they no longer enjoy exercise (for example), this change should serve as another indicator of depression. They may become extremely lethargic and very easily fatigued, leading to reduced activity levels and possibly even social withdrawal as they no longer enjoy the things that they previously enjoyed.
Seeing death in everything: People who find themselves stuck in the depressive period of the mood cycle are often completely preoccupied with the concept of death, to the extent that some people actually feel they are dead already.

Changed thinking: Depressed people often find it extremely difficult to organize their thoughts, and the ability to make decisions is likely to desert them. They become increasingly disorganized and are unable to deal with questions about money, because the whole concept of money has already ceased to have any real importance for them.

How you use this ability to recognize the signs of a depressive episode will depend upon what your relationship is with bipolar disorder and who it is that is suffering from the condition. Assuming for example that it is a friend or loved one, then you need to be able to advise them about their condition so that they can seek the appropriate treatment.

Recognizing suicidal signs

However, perhaps the most important thing about recognizing the ‘depressive end’ of the bipolar mood swing cycle is that when people are significantly depressed, the risk of suicide becomes very much higher.

Indeed, it is estimated that of the people who are diagnosed with bipolar disorder, around 30% of them are likely to attempt suicide at least once. In addition, because the rate of suicide amongst bipolar disorder sufferers is around 20 times higher than that of the general population, it is extremely important for anyone who is associated with someone who suffers from bipolar disorder to recognize the most common suicide warning signs.