how do i know what mental diese my father has is it bipolar or what?
79522
Have a read of http://www.scientologyhandbook.org/sh11.htm and if it makes sense to you, why not ask your father to read it too. It may help him locate the source of his mood swings.
793987
Go to the doctor and see if you need to be treated for bipolar disorder.
830027
Internet or self diagnosis is dangerous, so you need to see a doctor, but first read some background and see if it really fits...\n\nOK, so it's a mood disorder and a serious mental illness. It has a strong genetic component, but appears to be triggered environmentally. There are no diagnostic tests for it, just psychiatric evaluation. Most sufferers are not diagnosed until middle age, and it takes an average of around 8-10 years to get a correct diagnosis. Historically, figures suggested it affects about 0.8% of the population at some point, which makes it about half as common as schizophrenia. In recent years, bipolar disorder has become an 'in' diagnosis, and many more people are being diagnosed at younger and younger ages. As with ADHD, this fad may well pass with time, although for the moment many celebrities appear to be 'popularising' it.\n\nIt is characterised by episodes of severe clinical depression and mania or hypomania (for definitions of those, see here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Current_diagnostic_criteria_for_bipolar_disorder ). The extreme end of mania often turns into psychosis, complete with hallucinations and delusions. During manic phases, the person's judgement and perception of reality is severely compromised, leading to risky actions with potentially damaging consequences (financially, sexually and relationship-wise). Untreated, episodes generally worsen over time due to an effect known as kindling. Untreated Bipolar sufferers are at a very high risk of suicide: 20-25% attempt it, and 15% succeed.\n\nThe cycles in bipolar disorder are much longer than people generally believe. Anyone whose mood changes from minute to minute is very unlikely to be bipolar. Bipolar 1 is characterised by mood episodes lasting many months, while Bipolar 2 has episodes in the region of weeks to months. Rapid and ultra-rapid cycling bipolar disorder is rare, and cycles last days to weeks.\n\nThere are many drugs available to treat the symptoms of bipolar (there is no cure). These are either anti-convulsants or anti-psychotics (personally I take both), and the most well known of these is Lithium. Most patients will go through a number of different drugs before finding one that works for them.
248502
I'm a clinical pyschologist and these sound like symptoms of bipolar! Being tested for this is the best way to tell if he has it. When a person is diagnosed for biopolar, there is really nothing one can do to help there negative moods! The best way is to get him tested! Good luck!!
542097
I read that he Put "down" persons who are Bipolar-disorder (manic-depressive) ( a Mental Illness).  ( I am bipolar; i read it on Internet--news or something.  I don't watch movies often and hardly know him.    best wishes!!!
603880
Yes. My mother is bipolar, and she can be very aggressive anyways, and drinking increases the aggressive behavior. Not to mention the fact that bipolar people should be on regular medications, medications that do not mix well with alcohol. Make sure he is on his medications, ask him to stop drinking, suggest he makes an appointment with his psychiatrist. Perhaps you may join in on a session or two with him.
349191
Just about everything we know about Bipolar Disorder in genetics is here: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/dispomim.cgi?id=125480 If the page looks somewhat scary and technical, just read what does make sense - and more than half the page is references, so don't get scared off. Oh, this is the NIH's (National Institutes of Health) OMIM or Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man webpage. All the research on human genetic disorders that's done is online, freely accessible by anyone, on this website, which is a wonderful thing if you think about it. Good luck with your research.
1040300
You need to talk to your mom and tell her that the problems are back and you want some real help. I know it's tough, but you won't get medical treatment at your age without parental consent. Tell her and get yourself some good help. Yes, it does sound like Bipolar disorder but you should be checked for Aspergers Syndrome as well. Good luck to you.
848959
don't look for a diagnosis, just some practical ways to address your issues..\n\nsome good questions to ask are, how will (s)he AND you know when progress is being made- how will you evaluate the work you are doing together,\n\nwhat trreatment options you have (meds or no meds or combination ...  on-going psychiatry, or maybe your needs are better served by a psychologist, or other kind of counselor, does it make sense to involve others in treatment (it's often very helpful to involve your partner or other family members)\n\nhow long (s)he think you will require professional help...\n\nand any other questions you might have, don't hesitate to ask...  don't hold back because you're unsure if your questions are appropriate or not, (s)he will let you know...\n\ngood luck~
946053
Not likely to be bipolar. Here's the lowdown, I think you'll find very few of the criteria fit.\n\nOK, so it's a mood disorder and a serious mental illness. It has a strong genetic component, but appears to be triggered environmentally. There are no diagnostic tests for it, just psychiatric evaluation. Most sufferers are not diagnosed until middle age, and it takes an average of around 8-10 years to get a correct diagnosis. Historically, figures suggested it affects about 0.8% of the population at some point, which makes it about half as common as schizophrenia. In recent years, bipolar disorder has become an 'in' diagnosis, and many more people are being diagnosed at younger and younger ages. As with ADHD, this fad may well pass with time, although for the moment many celebrities appear to be 'popularising' it.\n\nIt is characterised by episodes of severe clinical depression and mania or hypomania (for definitions of those, see here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Current_diagnostic_criteria_for_bipolar_disorder ). The extreme end of mania often turns into psychosis, complete with hallucinations and delusions. During manic phases, the person's judgement and perception of reality is severely compromised, leading to risky actions with potentially damaging consequences (financially, sexually and relationship-wise). Untreated, episodes generally worsen over time due to an effect known as kindling. Untreated Bipolar sufferers are at a very high risk of suicide: 20-25% attempt it, and 15% succeed.\n\nThe cycles in bipolar disorder are much longer than people generally believe. Anyone whose mood changes from minute to minute is very unlikely to be bipolar. Bipolar 1 is characterised by mood episodes lasting many months, while Bipolar 2 has episodes in the region of weeks to months. Rapid and ultra-rapid cycling bipolar disorder is rare, and cycles last days to weeks.\n\nThere are many drugs available to treat the symptoms of bipolar (there is no cure). These are either anti-convulsants or anti-psychotics (personally I take both), and the most well known of these is Lithium. Most patients will go through a number of different drugs before finding one that works for them.
829113
It is tough to have a close family member suffering from an illness and it can be uniquely difficult in the case of mental illness.  My father has had bipolar disorder for much of his life and for a very long time he was not diagnosed.  So, your sister is lucky to be on the road to managing her illness and you should be thankful for that, at least.  Although it will probably take quite a while before she finds a treatment system that works for her (medication, counselling, etc.), you should know that you can still have a close and happy relationship with her.  You should also know that you do not need to worry for her.  You should be concerned for her well-being, of course, but if you feel overly worried or overwhelmed, you should perhaps see a doctor.  Personally, I thought for years that it was normal to worry constantly, but it isn't.  If anxiety is regularly interfering with your life, you should seek some medical guidance of your own.
901415
I send my sympathy to your father passing away. I would try other options before going on medication. Medication should be used after you have exhausted all other options. You may be having problems with self esteem after gaining weight. You also may be having problem with panic because of a loss of security- your father. You should try therapy first for the panic attacks. Write a log..find out when they occur..what is triggering it. Why do you feel you cant leave the house- fear of people..depression? I understand your confusion. Start first by going to the gym...It will increase the endorphins in your body and make you feel good. Drink Camimile tea to relax you before you go to bed. Are you getting adequate sleep? \nYou should learn relaxation techniques to use if you have a panic attack episode. Deep breathing, progressive relaxation, relaxation tapes. You are afraid to start the job because you feel that you are going to fail. Start walking around your block every day to get over the fear of getting out of your house. Go out start the job. Get back on the horse. It will make you feel better to get out of the house. You should also start going to (church, temple..whatever your beliefs are) What ever you do get out of the house as much as you can.
1119582
So, as a rapid-cycling bipolar who was diagnosed as a depressive here is what I have to say, research, research, research.  Your doctor may know a lot, but you better too.  For 10 years I lived in hell, then I found a psychopharmachologist (yes, Virginia there really is a Santa Claus!).  You might also want a good psychologist, because retraining is a part of being bipolar, whether you like it or not.\n\nThere are a lot of things that will interact with medication, but that shouldn't be too surprising.  The foods you eat, drinking alcohol, other medications all interfere, so do your homework, get a good doctor, and don't expect the first medication to be the miracle cure.  Bipolar disorder can be frustrating, after all, look how hard it is to diagnose.\n\nBelow are several links, but I also suggest that you search on the words "Bipolar disorder", you will find more than you would ever want to know.
725393
Education. Read the Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide (Amazon link below). It's an excellent book on th esubject, and will give you a very good idea what to expect and how to deal with it.\n\nYou should also visit one of the many online support groups below.
802467
Some symptoms of Bipolar Disorder Type (2) not to be confused with Type (1) Big Difference.I have type (2) it can be controlled and there is help it just takes them a while as they have to be certain it Bipolar,thats why it takes along time until they finally say yes it is.\nnext time your at the doc ask for another referral to psychiatrist and Do Not withhold any info from them they need to no everything.\nAll the best\n\nDoctor is not the expert you need psychiatrists
451252
Do you honestly feel that he could be violent? Was he ever threatening and violent with you?\nBi-Polar (manic depression) causes periods of extreme down moods followed by extreme highs. It won't cause him to be violent unless he already has it in him and you will know deep down whether or not he has got it in him.\nI know you are exremely worried. The only thing I can say is to try and keep an eye on the situation and maybe keep a record of the phone calls and any other abuse she may recieve. The more you have the more the police will help in these situations if it comes to that.   xx
592319
Bipolar Disease runs in my family, so I always get a little concerned when my moods shift suddenly.  In your case, I would definately suggest talking to someone...doctor, friend, family...its always best to let someone know where your mind and heart are at.  Hormones can also play a big part in your emotions, especially if your menstruating or are pregnant.  I dont know where your from, but Im from MA., and its been raining here for weeks on end.  The weather can also have a strong effect on your moods.  Be well sister!