What should I do if I suspect that I or someone I know has bipolar disorder?

If you suspect that you or someone you know has bipolar disorder, the most important step is to seek help from a specialized healthcare provider. A doctor can conduct a comprehensive assessment to determine whether the symptoms align with bipolar disorder or any other condition, and develop an appropriate treatment plan. Do not attempt to diagnose yourself or others, as an accurate diagnosis requires specialized medical expertise.

Signs That Require Seeking Help

Bipolar disorder is characterized by severe mood swings that exceed normal fluctuations, including manic or hypomanic episodes and depressive episodes [1]. If you or someone you know notices the onset of any of the following symptoms persistently and it affects daily life, it is essential to consult a doctor:

• Symptoms of a Manic Episode: Feelings of euphoria or excessive happiness, extreme irritability, or feeling tense and overactive. It may also include racing thoughts and rapid speech, a decreased need for sleep, making impulsive or dangerous decisions such as excessive spending or reckless sexual behavior, and feeling unusually important or possessing special abilities [1].
• Symptoms of a Depressive Episode: Feelings of extreme sadness, hopelessness, or worthlessness. It may also include loss of interest in usual activities, difficulty concentrating or making decisions, changes in appetite or sleep (either excessive or reduced), and feeling tired or low in energy [1].
• Mixed Symptoms: Experiencing symptoms of mania and depression at the same time, such as feeling extremely sad with excessive energy [1].
• Impact on Daily Life: If these mood swings significantly impact work, relationships, or the ability to perform daily tasks [2].

The Diagnostic Process

To diagnose bipolar disorder, a healthcare provider may perform a physical examination, take a detailed medical history that includes symptoms and family history, and order medical tests to rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms. They may also refer you to a mental health specialist for a comprehensive psychological evaluation [1]. It is important to be honest about all symptoms and behavioral changes you have observed.

Available Treatment Options

Bipolar disorder is a chronic condition that requires lifelong, ongoing treatment, but treatment can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life [1]. Key treatment options include the following:

• Medications: Medications are an essential part of treatment and include mood stabilizers and atypical antipsychotics. A person may need to try several medications to find the most suitable one, and it is important to adhere to the prescribed doses and not stop taking them without consulting a doctor [3].
• Psychotherapy (Talk Therapy): Psychotherapy can help in learning how to recognize and change disturbing emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. It also provides support, education, and coping strategies [2].
• Lifestyle Changes: Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, exercising regularly, and avoiding alcohol and drugs can support treatment and help manage symptoms [1].

For more information on how to distinguish between mania and normal mood swings, you can visit Bipolar Disorder: How to Distinguish Mania from Normal Mood Swings? (Arabic)

When to Seek Emergency Help

If you feel the urge to harm yourself or others, feel extreme hopelessness, see or hear things that are not there, or are unable to care for yourself, you must seek emergency help immediately. You can contact a crisis hotline or go to the nearest emergency room [3]. Do not hesitate to seek help in these situations, as prompt intervention can save a life.

Medical references

• Bipolar Disorder
• Bipolar Disorder
• Bipolar disorder