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Symptoms of bipolar

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Bipolar Disorder
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Posted 1/15/2014 2:39 AM (GMT 0)
I'm in the process of seeing a psychologist, he says he think I may have a form of bipolar, it seems like the diagnosis is taking forever. I was just wondering what types of things to look for? Also Should I be seeing a psychologist or a psychiatrist? I'm not really sure what the difference is? I just want to see someone who can help me the most, I've been having a really tough time lately, and sometimes I literally feel like I'm going crazy.
Posted 1/15/2014 11:37 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Tess,

If you have Bipolar, you should visit a psychiatrist. Since your psychologist is doing the evaluation, they should be able to refer you to someone. Bipolar is treated with both medication and therapy. A psychologist cannot prescribe medications to their patients however a psychiatrist can prescribe the necessary medication.

There are four types of mood episodes in bipolar disorder: mania, hypomania, depression, and mixed episodes. Each type of bipolar disorder mood episode has a unique set of symptoms.

Signs and symptoms of the manic or hypomanic phase of bipolar disorder can include:
-Euphoria
-Inflated self-esteem
-Poor judgment
-Rapid speech
-Racing thoughts
-Aggressive behavior
-Agitation or irritation
-Increased physical activity
-Risky behavior
-Spending sprees or unwise financial choices
-Decreased need for sleep
-Easily distracted
-Careless or dangerous use of drugs or alcohol

Signs and symptoms of the depressive phase of bipolar disorder can include:
-Sadness
-Hopelessness
-Suicidal thoughts or behavior
-Anxiety
-Guilt
-Sleep problems
-Low appetite or increased appetite
-Fatigue
-Loss of interest in activities once considered enjoyable
-Problems concentrating
-Irritability

Please see link where you can get more information on the symptoms of Bipolar:
www.helpguide.org/mental/bipolar_disorder_symptoms_treatment.htm
www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bipolar-disorder/basics/symptoms/con-20027544

I hope this helps you.

I hope you will feel better. Let us know how your visit goes when your visit your doc or therapist.

Take Care

UA
Posted 1/15/2014 12:25 PM (GMT 0)
Great explanation and list UA :)

Tess, another symptom that may not be discussed because of "politeness" is libido. A lot of people find their libido changes significantly depending on what state they are in. It is just another possible indicator you use to help evaluate "state".

Bipolar can be quite a serious, complex illness and for that reason it is best managed by a doctor that specialises in mental illness ie a psychiatrist. Psychiatrists can write scripts for the medication required to help stabilise the physical chemical imbalance in the brain. Some holistic psychiatrists also provide psychotherapy and in that case you may not need to see a psychologist at all.

If you do indeed have bipolar, as diagnosed by a doctor, a good bond with a specialised medical practitioner is imperative in the successful treatment of bipolar.

Psychologists cannot diagnose bipolar. Only a medical practitioner can do that. Psychologists can only "suspect" illness and refer to a doctor. Psychologists can only help you deal with your thought processes, not the biological imbalances in the brain. Dealing with thought process is an important function, if a pdoc does not provide therapy.

Personally I won't go to a pdoc who doesn't provide psychotherapy because I like the consistency of one professional managing both. I like a "one stop shop" but most of all, sometimes a pdoc and psychologist can contradict each other - and I like to eliminate confusion where at all possible.

Keep talking. Everyone here has experienced similar to you. Even though it can feel like a very lonely experience, you actually aren't alone in this. A lot of people feel similar to you and by coming together and sharing, we help not just ourselves but each other.

Hugs,

Jade xo
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