What is Bipolar disorder? How is it different from depression/anxiety?
How is Bipolar Disorder different from social anxiety & depression? How do you tell the difference?? What are the different symptoms? How is it diagnosed? Is this disorder treated the same way as anxiety & depression?A. The primary symptoms of bipolar disorder are dramatic and unpredictable mood swings. The illness has two strongly contrasting phases. In the manic phase: * Euphoria or irritability * Excessive talk; racing thoughts * Inflated self-esteem * Unusual energy; less need for sleep * Impulsiveness, a reckless pursuit of gratification — shopping sprees, impetuous travel, more and sometimes promiscuous sex, high-risk business investments, fast driving * Hallucinations and or delusions (in cases of bipolar disorder with psychotic features) In the depressive phase: * Depressed mood and low self-esteem * Low energy levels and apathy * Sadness, loneliness, helplessness, guilt * Slow speech, fatigue, and poor coordination * Insomnia or oversleeping * Suicidal thoughts and feelings *
