How do you know if I have bipolar disorder?

Answer 1

The only way to know for sure is to see a doctor and get a diagnosis. You can watch for symptoms and let the doctor know what you have seen, however. Bipolar people swing between moods and are not able to control this. They are very unpredictable, and you cannot tell what sort of response you will get from them most of the time. Bipolar people can get very irritable, or very happy, or very depressed. Often they spend a lot of money or do dangerous things like drive too fast or have sex with lots of different people.

Answer 2

First, bipolar must be diagnosed by a psychiatrist! You cannot do it yourself.

That said I suggest reading:

• We Heard the Angels of Madness
• A Brilliant Madness
• A Mood Apart
• and any book written by Kay Redfield Jamison

The DBSA is also a good organization to contact.

Answer 3

Symptoms of Bipolar disorder are recognizable as mood swings. Sufferers may appear excessively happy one moment, then unbearably sad shortly thereafter.