How Easy Is It to Identify Bipolar Disorder?

by admin

I was watching a program on tv discussing how much this disorder gets misdiagnosed and was curious about it. How hard is it for someone to tell the difference between "normal" depression and bipolar? Also, how can someone identify a person as being bipolar and not just going through the typical highs and lows of adult life? How often does this get confused with a mid-life crisis or typical teen/young adult problems?
bobblehead, it wasn't a question about me, but i appreciate your concern. i was just wondering in general how hard it is to identify since the symptoms seem so vague.

1 comment… read it below or add one

ace May 2, 2009 at 7:32 pm: Bipolar disorder is very difficult to diagnose. The symptoms that the patient exhibits are so similar to those exhibited by a person who suffers from Schizophrenia,which is why it is so difficult to diagnose. Most people who exhibit symptoms usually do exhibit the typical highs and lows in life just in a different way. When someone who has Bipolar Disorder exhibits the highs and lows in their life, it is often exaggerated. When an individual is not taking medication for this disorder, he/she will often times halucinate or have delusions. The difference between Schizophrenia and Bipolar is-Schizophrenia worsens over a period of time where as Bipolar tends to mellow out. That's why it is important that the individual takes his/her medication to keep things under control. Bipolar is different from "normal" depression in the sense that the individual feels the way he/she does all of the time. A person who has "normal" depression may feel the way he/she does for a few days or weeks but then feels differently. Bipolar seldom gets confused with mid-life crisis or typical teen/young adult problems. If you are concerned that you may have Bipolar, you should share your concerns with your doctor who should be able to guide you to the correct resources for help. Hope this answer helps resolves your questions.