Bipolar Thought Process
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Definition
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Bipolar disorder is a complex mental disorder that takes sufferers on an emotional ride of extreme highs and deep depressive lows. The elevated mood is known as mania, which causes you to experience moments of euphoria. The depressive mood is known as manic, which causes you experience depressive symptoms and episodes. While these episodes can be separated by "normal" moods, you may rapidly alternate between mania and depressive phases. To recognize and treat bipolar disorder, it's important to understand the thought process involved in this condition.
Manic Phase
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When experiencing a manic phase, you may exhibit a variety of symptoms, which medical professionals characterize as DIGFAST. The symptoms involved in DIGFAST include distractibility, insomnia, grandiosity, flight of ideas that speed up the thought process, activity, sexual promiscuity and thoughtlessness. During a manic phase, you realize that the reality of your life doesn't match your grandiose fantasies of what your life should be like at this time. This can cause you to focus on the failures you've experienced in life, such as the lack of accomplishments or failed personal relationships. This can cause you to act out in uncharacteristic ways, in trying to achieve the status you believe you deserve.
Depression Phase
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During a depressive phase, your mind and body may experience symptoms of deep depression, creating thoughts of self-deprecation, self-devaluation, guilt and pessimism. Depression follows a manic phase and can be very dangerous. Thoughts of suicide can run through your mind. While some patients may alternate moods a few times a year, others may cycle through manic and depressive phases three or four times a day. It's important to consult a medical professional if you or someone you know is suffering from these thoughts or symptoms.
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