Bi-polar Disorder or normal mood changes? How to tell the difference.

Our moods are a product of many things: External events, weather changes and biological rhythms to name but a few. Even the full moon is said to affect our moods. We can all expect to experience a wide variety of emotion, and it is very normal for there to be a range of moods within our lives.

So when are mood fluctuations beyond normal? When are they so extreme that one could be said to have “bi-polar disorder”?
Bi-polar disorder, (originally know as manic-depressive disorder) is a label heard a lot these days. There are even on-line screenings for the disorder and many students visit the websites containing these.

So just what is bi-polar disorder? People with this disorder experience just what the name implies: two very polar opposite, and extreme types of mood and behavior. The key is the word extreme. The following behaviors may be seen when a person is in a “manic phase”:

• Rapid speech


• Inflated self-esteem


• Impulsiveness


• Euphoria


• Decreased need for sleep


• Easily distracted


• Easily angered


• Boundless energy


• Grandiosity (a sense of being larger than life)

These characteristics may be played out in extravagant shopping sprees, foolish business investments, reckless driving and impulsive sexual encounters. A key element in a manic phase is the lack of concern for consequences that follow the often high-risk behaviors taking place.

On the other “pole”, the depressive episode is marked by:

• Sadness


• Feelings of hopelessness/pessimism


• Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities


• Decreased attention/concentration


• Insomnia or excessive sleep


• Tearfu
l

• Overeating or under eating


• Social withdrawal

People with true bi-polar disorder cycle between these two phases.
Days, weeks or months may pass between the two episode types or they may rapidly cycle between the two moods.
The key component is the shift between the two states.

Bi-Polar disorder is much less common than depression, affecting only about 1.6% of the population, with men and women affected equally.
The disorder often does not begin to show up until people are in their 20’s. Medication can be largely effective in treatment, according to the Diagnostic and Statistic manual of Mental Disorder, IV.

So when you are giddy over acing a test in the morning, then down in the dumps due to all the work you have left to do, in the evening, you are most likely having very normal reactions to the ups and downs of everyday life. Likewise, there are very normal mood fluctuations that occur during times of transition or loss. Consider 9-11; grief, shock, and sadness were all normal reactions to a very abnormal event. Closer to home, coming to college and leaving familiar surroundings, can also produce some very strong emotions, all of which could be considered normal responses.

If concerned about extreme fluctuations or having difficulty managing your moods because of the ups and downs of everyday life consider contacting the Counseling Center or another professional who can.