Battling bipolar disorder is no laughing matter. When you or a loved one suffers from manic episode outbursts and erratic behavior it can change your entire perspective on life. People with bipolar disorder are often misunderstood by society in general. This causes them to be further excluded, which makes symptoms escalate.
A bipolar disorder manic episode impacts everyone.
Friends and family members can be torn apart with concern for the bipolar disorder sufferer. I have a young great nephew who suffers from bipolar disorder. The years prior to his diagnoses and treatment were devastating for my niece. His manic episode outbursts were often misread by teachers and others as bad behavior or lack of discipline on the part of his parents.
Now that he’s been properly diagnosed and is being treated, my great nephew seems a changed person. He is able to play happily with other children and his manic episode outbursts have lessened in intensity and frequency. If you or a loved one shows symptoms of bipolar disorder, seek diagnoses and treatment right away. Watch for these symptoms.
Unlimited energy and restlessness
A manic episode can cause the sufferer to constantly seek energy outlets. You will notice those with bipolar disorder going from task to task with unbridled enthusiasm. They are addicted to being constantly in motion. This is the reason some bipolar individuals are misdiagnosed as having ADD.
Excessive excited chattering
During an episode, a person may become so excitable they simply cannot control their mouths. They will talk about anything and everything, even when no one is listening. This is an extreme version of thinking out loud.
Decreased need for sleep
Those with bipolar disorder often become so pumped up during a manic episode that sleep is impossible. Watch for periods of time where they throw themselves into their work during late night hours. Frenzied night owl activity is one symptom of a bipolar disorder manic episode.
More sexually demanding
All this pent up energy needs an outlet. Often, a person with bipolar disorder will exhibit and demand increased sexual activity during a manic episode. They may seek further stimulation by frequenting strip clubs, or viewing pornographic videos and magazines. It may seem to their partner that they are never satisfied.
Spending sprees
Shopping is a frequent outlet for the limitless energy experienced during a manic episode. Persons with bipolar disorder often become overtaken by the need to accumulate material possessions. Parents and spouses might consider keeping an eye on credit card transactions. Watch for bursts of spending during manic episodes.
Delusions of grandeur
A manic episode may cause those with bipolar disorder to have grand schemes for self improvement. These schemes may become the only topic this person is willing to discuss. A person with bipolar disorder may become centered and focused on one goal and obsessed with attaining that goal. They may feel themselves to be the chosen one or a superior being.
Religious obsession
During a manic episode, the bipolar individual may seem unusually or extremely devoted to a particular religion. Often a bipolar disorder manic episode may cause obsession with things like religion or money making schemes. The bipolar individual often seeks ideas or concepts to attach themselves to and practice obsessively.
Unreasonable anger or hostility
Watch for random, unjustified outbursts of anger, jealousy, violence and hostility. Often a manic episode causes someone to display anger for no apparent reason. Those with bipolar disorder often have unusual thought processes which lead them to false conclusions. Their pent up energy can come out in violent outbursts.
Unusual or racing thoughts
Those with bipolar disorder often cannot control their thought processes. Their mind is constantly cluttered with racing and unusual thoughts. They may become convinced of things that are simply untrue. A manic episode may be characterized by simply having too many thoughts at once or in fast succession.
Hallucinations or imagined voices
A bipolar disorder manic episode may be marked by hallucinations or imaginary voices. The individual may start saying things like, “Mary told me to do that, so I had to” or “Why is that man in our house?” These are signs of extreme bipolar disorder that could endanger the individual or their loved ones. Seek help immediately if you or someone you know has these symptoms.
Flamboyant manner or dress
Persons with bipolar disorder may have the urge to dress in extremes when experiencing a manic episode. They may wear shockingly bright colors or promiscuous clothing. They may dress as someone they idolize. Changes of this nature may seem irrelevant but could be a sign of more intense behavior to come.
Please Note: The author of this article is not a licensed medical professional. Please seek the help of a licensed psychiatrist, psychologist or treatment facility if you or a loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms. This article is not intended to replace professional medical advice.
Sources:
NIMH
Pendulum
Mental Help
Mental Health
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