3 Signs of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a common mental illness that features extreme mood changes that impact over 5 million Americans. You may experience high periods of mania which contrast with depressive lows, and at times, simultaneous ups and downs that can be mentally debilitating without bipolar assistance programs. If you fear that you or a loved one is suffering and could benefit from outpatient treatment for bipolar disorder, contact Greater Boston Addiction Centers online or call 877.920.6583 today to learn how our bipolar rehab can help.

What’s Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder isn’t a rare diagnosis–quite the opposite. A 2005 study found that 2.6 percent of the U.S. population, which amounts to more than 5 million people, lived with some form of bipolar disorder. Many of these individuals could greatly benefit from bipolar assistance programs like the one at Greater Boston Addiction Centers. Bipolar disorder symptoms usually appear in a person’s late teenage years or early adulthood. That said, bipolar disorder can occur in children as well. Statistically, women are more likely to receive a bipolar disorder diagnosis than men, although the reason for as yet remains unclear. Bipolar disorder can be hard to diagnose, but some signs or symptoms can alert you. Outpatient treatment for bipolar disorder exists and is an excellent option to help people live productive, healthy, and happier lives.

What Are the Signs of Bipolar Disorder?

The signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder are varied, and identifying them can be a challenge. Many of these symptoms can also be brought on by other conditions, making bipolar disorder difficult to diagnose.

The signs of bipolar disorder can generally be divided into three categories: mania, depression, and psychosis

1. Mania

Mania can cause other symptoms as well, and if you experience manic episodes, outpatient treatment for bipolar disorder is just an email or phone call away. Here are several key signs of this phase of bipolar disorder:

• Feeling extremely happy or “high” for long periods of time
• Having a decreased need for sleep
• Talking very fast, with thoughts racing a mile a minute
• Extreme restlessness, impulsive behavior, or partaking in risky actions
• Easily distracted
• Overconfidence in your abilities

2. Depression

Just as with the signs of mania, depression can be caused by disorders other than bipolar. Reach out to us to discover how our expert team can help assess you or your child and learn how bipolar assistance programs may help. Much like mania, here are several indicators of depression brought on from bipolar disorder:

• Feeling sad or hopeless over extended periods
• Withdrawing from friends and family
• Losing interest in activities, hobbies, passions
• A significant appetite change
• Severe fatigue
• Problems with memory, concentration, and decision making
• Suicidal ideation and a preoccupation with death

3. Psychosis

People who are battling bipolar disorder may also have psychotic symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations. These psychotic symptoms can cause you to see and hear things that feel incredibly real but don’t actually exist in reality. Sometimes, psychotic symptoms develop during or after a severe episode of mania or depression.

Psychotic symptoms in bipolar disorder are serious and scary for the individual experiencing them and those around them while the hallucinations or delusions occur. Understandably, psychosis can alter your mood in an instant and last for some time. Thanks to bipolar rehab and outpatient treatment for bipolar disorder, you do not have to fight this battle alone. Professional treatment centers can teach you coping mechanisms and life skills to help you manage your symptoms while offering compassionate care.

Learn More at Greater Boston Addiction Centers

Should bipolar disorder have a hold on you or a member of your family, outpatient treatment for bipolar disorder at Greater Boston Addiction Centers may be able to help. Contact us using our secure online form or call us confidentially at 877.920.6583 today.