This is a stupid question, but can someone please tell me what the difference is between Bipolar and Depression.
I have been diagnosed with, initially PTSD then stemming from it, depression and anxiety.
I know I’m depressed because I have all the symptoms, but recently my wife was doing some reading and she told me that she wonders if I am bipolar.
She said that because there are times that I don’t move from one spot, because I feel so blahhhh, then there are times where I’m racing around the house picking up everything in a frantic state.
I know that’s not enough, but what are some other common symptoms of bipolar?
Thanks, Radar
Bipolar Disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a serious medical illness that causes shifts in a person’s mood, energy, and ability to function. Different from the normal ups and downs that everyone goes through, the symptoms of bipolar disorder are severe.
Signs & Symptoms
Bipolar disorder causes dramatic mood swings from overly “high” and/or irritable to sad and hopeless, and then back again, often with periods of normal mood in between. Severe changes in energy and behavior go along with these changes in mood. The periods of highs and lows are called episodes of mania and depression.
Signs and symptoms of mania (or a manic episode) include:
Increased energy, activity, and restlessness
Excessively “high,” overly good, euphoric mood
Extreme irritability
Racing thoughts and talking very fast, jumping from one idea to another
Distractibility, can’t concentrate well
Little sleep needed
Unrealistic beliefs in one’s abilities and powers
Poor judgment
Spending sprees
A lasting period of behavior that is different from usual
Increased sexual drive
Abuse of drugs, particularly cocaine, alcohol, and sleeping medications
Provocative, intrusive, or aggressive behavior
Denial that anything is wrong
A manic episode is diagnosed if elevated mood occurs with three or more of the other symptoms most of the day, nearly every day, for 1 week or longer. If the mood is irritable, four additional symptoms must be present.