Bipolar disorder symptoms, bipolar symptoms in men, bipolar symptoms in women, bipolar symptoms in children. http://mentalhealthlivingwithbipolar.blogspot.com/p/the-very-early-symptoms.html

1. Bipolar Disorder
Symptoms
Bipolar Symptoms

2. • 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.