Bipolar disorder, a serious mental illness characterized by dramatic mood swings, usually starts in late adolescence or early adulthood. Individuals suffering from bipolar disorder fluctuate between mania and depression, and back again. Between these mood swings, the individual experiences normal moods. However, if not treated, bipolar disorder can have serious negative consequences, such as damaged relationships, poor job or school performance and, in severe cases, suicide. Therefore, it is imperative that the first signs of bipolar disorder are identified in order to ensure early intervention.
Psychosis
According to the Mayo Clinic, sudden psychosis is the first sign of bipolar disorder in some people. Psychosis is a detachment from reality that sometimes occurs with severe instances of mania or depression. This detachment from reality can result in delusions, which are false but strongly held beliefs, as well as hallucinations, which are false perceptions whereby someone hears or sees things that are not actually there.
Other Psychiatric Illnesses
Authors Swann and Geller, et al. in "Practical Clues to Early Recognition of Bipolar Disorder: A Primary Care Approach" point out that early symptoms of bipolar disorder can appear nonspecific until the history of depressive or manic episodes is revealed. If obvious behavioral problems, anxiety or substance abuse were present during childhood, and an individual has had recurrent depression and a family history of affective disorders, bipolar disorder should be included as a possible diagnosis. Possible psychiatric illnesses that may suggest a possible diagnosis of bipolar disorder include attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, substance abuse and psychosis.
Mania
Bipolar disorder generally begins with an episode of either mania or depression. Mania is the "high" end of the bipolar mood swings and is characterized by an elevated mood, lack of sleep, extremely quick thought process and talking, trouble concentrating, feelings of grandiosity, spending too much money, and engaging in risky behaviors.
Depression
On the other end of the bipolar mood spectrum from mania is depression. Bipolar disorder may begin with a depressive episode, and these episodes are recurring. It is essential to recognize the symptoms of a depressive episode in order to prevent negative effects, such as suicide. Depression is characterized by a loss of interest in things once enjoyed, feelings of sadness or hopelessness, crying, guilt, irritability, change in appetite and sleeping patterns, and thoughts of death or suicide.
