Self assessment for bipolar disorder

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Bipolar disorder causes dramatic mood swings—from overly “high” and/or irritable to sad and hopeless, and then back again, often with periods of normal mood in between. Severe changes in energy and behaviour go along with these changes in mood. The periods of highs are called episodes of mania and and lows are called episodes of depression.

Signs and symptoms of mania (or a manic episode) include:

Increased energy, activity, and restlessness
Excessively “high,” overly good, euphoric mood
Racing thoughts and talking very fast, jumping from one idea to another
Distractibility, can’t concentrate well
Little sleep needed
Unrealistic beliefs in one’s abilities and powers
Poor judgment
Spending sprees
A lasting period of behavior that is different from usual
Increased sexual drive
Abuse of drugs, particularly cocaine, alcohol, and sleeping medications
Provocative, intrusive, or aggressive behaviour
Denial that anything is wrong

Your Result:

If you have experienced elevated mood with four or more of the symptoms above most of the day, nearly every day, for 1 week or longer, then you may be suffering from mania.

Signs and symptoms of depression (or a depressive episode) include:

Lasting sad, anxious, or empty mood
Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed, including sex
Decreased energy, a feeling of fatigue or of being “slowed down”
Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions
Restlessness or irritability
Sleeping too much, or can’t sleep
Change in appetite and/or unintended weight loss or gain
Chronic pain or other persistent bodily symptoms that are not caused by physical illness or injury
Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts

Your Result:

A depressive episode is diagnosed if you have five or more of these symptoms lasting most of the day, nearly every day, for a period of 2 weeks or longer.

If you have experienced cycling of mood with mania or depression, you may be suffering from Bipolar Mood Disorder. You can contact South Pacific Private for further assessment, or your general practitioner, or mental health profession for advice and assessment.

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