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If you suffer from bipolar disorder, you’re likely familiar with the common symptoms like extreme highs and lows in mood, disrupted sleep patterns, and racing thoughts. But did you know that there are other surprising symptoms that can often be overlooked? Unmasking bipolar disorder and understanding the full range of bipolar indicators can help you identify and treat the disorder more effectively.
Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder You’re Not Told About
Bipolar disorder affects more than 2 million adults in the United States every year. According to the National Institutes of Health, symptoms can emerge at any age, from early childhood to late adulthood. While doctors may focus on the well-known symptoms, like changes in mood and energy, there are many other signs of bipolar disorder that may be overlooked.
Commonly Overlooked Indicators of Bipolar Disorder
It’s common for people with bipolar disorder to experience significant shifts in their behavior. From drastic changes in spending to increased alcohol consumption, these behavior changes can be easily dismissed. However, they can be an indicator of manic or depressive episodes. It’s also important to recognize that these symptoms can vary from person to person. Therefore, it’s essential to take the time to understand your own behavior changes and know what signs to look out for.
What to Watch For: Uncovering Unrecognized Signs of Bipolar
Some of the more subtle warning signs of bipolar include over-involvement in activities, impulsivity, and changes in appetite or eating habits. People with bipolar disorder are often characterized as having a “hyper” state of mind, which can lead to excessive involvement in activities and uncharacteristic behavior for extended periods of time. Additionally, impulsive behavior, such as risky spending or sexual behavior, can be a strong indicator of mania or depression. Finally, changes in appetite or eating habits, such as oversleeping or lack of appetite, can be extremely significant when dealing with this disorder.
Recognizing These Unusual Signs of Bipolar Disorder
Another aspect of bipolar disorder that often goes unrecognized is the effect it can have on cognitive abilities. People with the disorder may experience confusion and memory loss, as well as difficulty focusing and organizing their thoughts. Additionally, those with bipolar are more prone to experiencing intrusive thoughts, racing thoughts, and difficulty controlling their emotions.
Unexpected Symptoms of Bipolar: What to Look Out For
Finally, those with bipolar disorder can be more prone to physical aches, pains, and illnesses. From headaches to stomach aches, general physical discomfort can be a sign of an oncoming manic or depressive episode. Additionally, bipolar individuals may experience an increase in allergies, asthma, and other physical ailments.
Whether you have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder or are trying to identify signs in yourself or a loved one, it’s important to remember that the range of symptoms goes beyond the ones often discussed. Don’t be afraid to reach out to a mental health professional if you notice any of these signs and think they might be related to bipolar disorder. With the right help, you can get on the path to successfully managing the disorder.
Sources
- Kirov, George. Bipolar Disorder, 2nd Edition: The Ultimate Guide to Recognizing and Coping With Manic Depression. 2018.
- Goodwin, Guy, ed. Bipolar Disorder. Cambridge University Press, 2010.
- Kirby, M. Jeanne, and Jonathan E. Purtle. Bipolar Disorder: A Review. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine 5 (2011): 79–95.
Bipolar disorder can have a wide range of symptoms, some of which may be easily overlooked. It’s important to be aware of the full range of signs and recognize them in yourself or a loved one so that the disorder can be accurately diagnosed and treated. By understanding what to look for, you can take the first step towards identifying and managing bipolar disorder and getting back to health.
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