Answer:
Bipolar disorder is sometimes called manic-depressive illness. It involves dramatic mood swings-from feeling overly "high" to feeling hopeless and even suicidal. Along with these mood changes come severe changes in behavior. The periods of highs and lows are called episodes.
A manic episode can include spending sprees. However, this symptom alone is not enough to diagnose bipolar disorder. A manic episode lasts for at least one week and may also involve:
- aggressive behavior
- distractibility
- drug abuse
- extreme irritability
- increased energy, activity and restlessness
- increased sexual drive
- overly euphoric mood
- poor judgment
- racing thoughts
- rapid speech
- reduced sleep
- unrealistic beliefs in personal abilities
A depressive episode may include:
- feeling guilty, worthless, or helpless
- feeling sad, empty or hopeless
- loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, including sex
- restlessness or irritability
- decreased energy
- difficulty in concentrating
- sleeping too much, or getting too little sleep
- thoughts of death or suicide
- suicide attempts
- changes in appetite
- unintended weight loss or gain
- chronic pain not caused by physical illness or injury
Difficulties with personal relationships and with work or school can occur with any of these symptoms. Severe episodes of mania or depression include symptoms of psychosis, such as hallucinations and delusions. Hospital treatment may be required.
Symptoms of bipolar disorder can occur in several variations. For example, a hypomanic episode is similar to a manic episode but less intense. And during a mixed episode, a person experiences both a manic and depressive episode nearly every day.
Again, spending sprees are just one possible symptom of mania. You and your doctor can discuss your situation in more detail and choose the next steps to take. You may be referred to a mental health professional for additional help.
Answered by Ginny Lund, M.A., L.P., C.E.A.P. Ginny is a clinical content lead with Optum, a company that delivers personal health management solutions designed to help individuals stay healthy, get healthy and live with illness. She earned her master's degree in counseling psychology and has worked with children, adolescents and adults addressing a wide variety of mental health concerns.
References
"Bipolar Disorder." National Institute of Mental Health. 2002. http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/bipolar.cfm (Viewed 3/22/05).
"Bipolar disorder." Optum. 12/7/04. https://www.healthforums.com/library/1,1277,article~6147,00.html (Viewed 3/22/05).
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