Can bipolar disorder appear suddenly?
The majority of patients suffering from bipolar disorder have an onset prior to the fifth decade of their lives. However, a significant number of patients have onset of illness after age 50, commonly referred to as late-onset bipolar disorder.
How does bipolar show up?
What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder? Mood episodes in bipolar disorder include intense emotions along with significant changes in sleep habits, activity levels, thoughts, or behaviors. A person with bipolar disorder may have manic episodes, depressive episodes, or “mixed” episodes.
How fast does bipolar progress?
Typically, someone with bipolar disorder experiences one or two cycles a year, with manic episodes generally occurring in the spring or fall. A 2010 study of people with bipolar 1 disorder found that mood episodes lasted an average of 13 weeks. 1 On average, people with bipolar will have one or two cycles yearly.
What does a bipolar crash feel like?
You may feel hopeless or sad and be less interested in doing activities you normally enjoy. During these fluctuations in mood and behavior, it’s not uncommon to have excessive fatigue. Fatigue causes an overall feeling of extreme tiredness and a lack of energy.
What are the signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder?
However, repeated and multiple signs that manifest that are associated with bipolar disorder may be cause for concern. According to Medical News Today, here’s what to look for to spot signs that may indicate the presence of bipolar disorder in others: Trouble sleeping. Exhibiting tremendous energy.
What to do if you think you have bipolar disorder?
If you’ve been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, some strategies can help prevent minor symptoms from becoming full-blown episodes of mania or depression: Pay attention to warning signs. Avoid drugs and alcohol. Take your medications exactly as directed.
Is it hard to make a confident diagnosis of bipolar disorder?
It can also be hard to make a confident diagnosis of bipolar disorder when someone is actively abusing substances that cause mood swings. Substances such as alcohol and cocaine can also cloud the picture in bipolar disorder.
Are there any other diagnoses besides bipolar disorder?
Other possible diagnoses in addition to bipolar disorder that should be considered in the setting of symptoms such as these include unipolar (major) depression, anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, adjustment disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and personality disorders such as borderline personality disorder.