Bipolar disorder also known as manic-depressive illness can have serious consequences on the sufferer's life as well as those around them. The patient needs constant attention either from their treating psychiatrist, close friends and family.

In America, there are approximately two million people diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Yet, most of them are unaware that anything is wrong. Symptoms begin to show out during adolescence or early adulthood in most of the cases. There is nothing to worry about because bipolar is a treatable disease. People need to know how to recognize the different symptoms to get the proper treatment after the diagnosis.

Being down and depressed does not necessarily occur in bipolar patients. Their moods go up and down and switch between extreme highs and extreme lows and yes this mood swing is hard to establish. It is often times difficult for the patient to cope with the ever-changing mood swings.

Always expect the worst when it comes from patients who suffer this disease, patients can sometimes commit suicide. They feel that suicide is their only answer to solving this
disease. It is important to calling 911 in cases such as this.

Lifetime treatments and medications is necessary to building and keeping the strong support group the sufferer has. Really though the first step for achieving success is learn the basics about how to spot the symptoms of the disorder.

Five Signs and Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

- It is easy to spot manic episodes. The most recognizable factor is the increase in the level of energy and a high mood. This can be seen in the early stages. It is recognizable after the depression has been in place for so long and the patient is suddenly happy and excited. Other things to can give clues are the need to spend money on shopping sprees, concentration loss and sex drive increase.

- Depression can be spotted easily but it can be misread as just a bad day. If the depression lasts well into an extended period of time it is an obvious sign of bipolar disorder. Lack of interest which were once enjoyed by the person, such as games and hobbies, can be taken as a sign of bipolar disorder.

- In serious cases of bipolar, mood swings can be displayed as psychosis symptoms such as hallucinations or delusions. The sufferer may be unaware of this symptom but it is easily recognizable to those around him.

- When a sufferer is in a mixed state, it means they are suffering from both depression and mania at the same time. This can lead to lack of sleep, agitation and appetite changes. Those with this type of bipolar can become depressed even if they are experiencing a high energy level.

- Morbid thoughts are the most intense and horrifying part of bipolar. Most people tend to ignore this thinking if I do, it will go away.

If suicide seems possible, dial 911 when you need it to keep the worst from happening.
It is important to realize and keep in mind that knowing the symptoms of this disease and understanding it can reveal the true nature of it. Improper diagnosis or rather no diagnosis means the sufferer is prolonged to extreme bouts and possibly committing suicide later on. Even if the person sees a physician for their depression, they may not talk about the mania side of the disorder. Do not forget that bipolar is a debilitating disease that can be treated in order to live a productive and healthy lifestyle.