You may have heard of 'bipolar' or 'bipolar disorder', or you may think that this is just a sign of ups and downs and moodiness. But in fact, Bipolar Disorder is a serious mental disorder characterized by abnormal and violent fluctuations in mood, energy, activity levels, and judgment, switching back and forth between extreme emotional ups and downs (mania or hypomania) to extreme emotional depression (depression) .
Revealing: The 'bipolar' world of bipolar disorder
People with bipolar disorder usually experience two distinct episodes, just like living between the 'poles' of emotions.
1. Emotional High Period: Mania or Hypocrisy
This is not a simple happiness, but an unusual state of excitement. At this stage, patients may:
- I was extremely excited , felt energetic, and even euphoric.
- The energy is extremely strong and the sleep needs are significantly reduced. You may feel energetic after only three or four hours of sleep.
- Words and thinking accelerate , speak quickly, content jumps, and it is difficult to concentrate.
- Act impulsively and do reckless behaviors, such as shopping spree, reckless investment or sexual adventure.
Hypomania is a milder form of mania, with similar symptoms but less severe symptoms and may not seriously affect daily life and is therefore often overlooked. Many people even enjoy this stage and think that this is their 'most efficient' moment.
2. Depression period: depression
This is another extreme of emotion. At this stage, patients will:
- Feeling extreme sadness , emptiness, despair, and losing interest and fun in anything.
- Insufficient energy , exhaustion, movements and speech become slow.
- Eating and sleep changes , which may cause insomnia or lethargy, loss of appetite or increase in appetite.
- Have suicidal thoughts or behaviors , and feel worthless and guilty.
These two distinct emotional states can appear alternately or simultaneously over a period of time, which is called a mixed attack .
How to conduct preliminary self-diagnosis of bipolar disorder?
When you are confused about your mood swings, doing a preliminary self-assessment is a good starting point to understand your own situation. However, be sure to be clear: online tests or questionnaires are not diagnostic tools. Their main function is to help you better observe and record your emotional patterns and provide reference for subsequent communication with professionals.
Why can't we rely on self-diagnosis?
- Symptom complexity: Bipolar disorder has various symptoms and may be similar to other mental illnesses (such as major depression, anxiety disorder). It is difficult to make accurate distinctions based on simple assessment of the questionnaire.
- The hidden nature of hypomania: Especially the 'hypomania' state in bipolar type II disorders is often mistaken for being energetic or efficient, and is easily overlooked by oneself.
- Professional evaluation is the core: Only professional psychiatrists or mental health experts can provide accurate medical diagnosis through detailed consultation, medical history review and the use of professional diagnostic standards.
What if I suspect I have bipolar disorder? How to test it yourself?
PsycTest Quiz officially provides an online assessment tool for bipolar disorder, which can help you conduct self-assessment. But the most important step is to make an appointment immediately and consult a professional psychiatrist . Don't be afraid or shy about speaking, because it's a treatable disease.
Doctors will use some professional auxiliary evaluation scales when diagnosed, such as:
PsycTest Quiz provides the above tools for free, but it should be noted that these psychological testing tools are only used for auxiliary diagnosis and cannot replace doctors' professional judgment.
Written at the end
Bipolar disorder is a chronic disease. If not treated, the attack will occur repeatedly, which will have a serious impact on the patient's life, work and interpersonal relationships. But the good news is that with proper diagnosis and ongoing treatment (usually including medication and psychotherapy), patients can effectively control their symptoms and live a normal and quality life.
If you are experiencing emotional distress, remember that you are not alone. Seeking help from professionals is the first step towards recovery and the best care for yourself.
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