Bipolar Disorder SymptomsBipolar Symptoms

• Noticeable changes in sleep patterns, such as insomnia or oversleeping

• A drop in ones school grades or frequent absences from school

• Unusual complaints of tiredness or apathy

• Over sensitivity to rejection or defeat

• An unusual increase in grumpiness, aggression, or anger

• Social detachment

• Reckless behavior

• Alcohol or drug abuse

• Difficulty getting along with others

• Outbursts of shouting or crying

• A Waning interest in friends and activities

• Self-injurious behavior or talk of suicide

• Trouble concentrating

• Although the bipolar symptoms above are classic identifiers of the disorder, there are some differences in the way a man, woman, or child may experience and exhibit their symptoms. Symptoms of bipolar arise from two different extreme mood swing patterns. The first is mania which is characterized by extreme high exuberant moods, and then there is depressive which is characterized by extreme low periods of sadness and fatigue.

Bipolar Symptoms in Men• Men are often taught from childhood to be problem solvers and to suck

it up and control their feelings when issues arise. As a result, a man with bipolar disorder will often seclude himself from others and attempt to hide his problem. As an ingrained problem solver not wanting to be perceived as a problem causer, a man may try and just deal with his disorder alone. A man's unwillingness to talk about his problems is a major reason why men are four times more likely to commit suicide than are women. It also explains why men with bipolar are more likely to abuse alcohol and drugs.

• Men are less likely than women to seek help and treatment, and often they won't admit the seriousness of their symptoms.

• Instead of appearing sad, men will often become irritable, aggressive, act reckless or drink too much.

• Mania in men often manifests itself with impulsive thinking that causes them to be reckless in behavior in pursuit of gratification.

• Men on average develop bipolar disorder at a much earlier age than women.

• A man's first episode of bipolar is usually a manic one.

Bipolar Symptoms in Women• Because of her hormones a woman is more likely to

experience more frequent depression symptoms than a man. (Unhappiness, loss of interest in things, agitation, sleep problems, indecisiveness, loss of energy, periods of unexplained crying and feelings of worthlessness.)

• There is a seven time increase in need for hospitalization for their bipolar disorder in women that are pregnant or have recently given birth.

• A recurrence of bipolar symptoms is twice as likely in pregnant women.

• Women with bipolar disorder often experience more severe symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.

• A woman's first episode of bipolar is usually a depressive one.

Bipolar Symptoms in Children• Bipolar has been reported to appear in children as young as six years

old. Diagnosing bipolar in children is still controversial because the symptoms of bipolar often mimic other disorders like ADHD, conduct disorder or even normal child behavior. With these facts in mind a second opinion would be wise before accepting any treatment suggestions.

• Children with bipolar usually have more frequent shifts in mood. In children the mood changes that occur between manic and depressive can be continuous, rapid, and sometimes happen all in the same day.

• Children with bipolar during manic periods tend to be more irritable than adults with bipolar.

• Children with bipolar also may experience more psychotic symptoms such as seeing or hearing things during a manic period.

The Effects of Bipolar• The symptoms of bipolar disorder can have very severe effects on ones life.

Bipolar symptoms can effect every aspect of a persons life. The known symptoms of bipolar disorder can affect ones:

• relationships• educational pursuits• career• finances• social endeavors• personality• sleep pattern• mood• spirituality• And ones overall zest and enjoyment of life. Many people have committed

suicide as a direct result of bipolar symptoms. With treatment, people with bipolar can normally still function and obtain all the normal desires and goals of life, just like everyone else. But bipolar disorder can make it extremely more difficult to do so.