Post by misty on Jan 6, 2007 11:39:40 GMT -5
Understanding Bipolar Mania
Could your depression be a sign of bipolar disorder? You owe it to yourself to find out.
Major depressive disorder�many of us refer to it as "depression"�and bipolar disorder have many symptoms in common. However, they are two different conditions that require different treatments.
Many people being treated for depression are actually dealing with bipolar disorder�but they don�t know it yet, because they haven�t recognized the symptoms. In fact, one study showed many patients with bipolar disorder initially received an incorrect diagnosis of depression.
Bipolar disorder, also called manic depression, involves periods of depression but also periods of mania. Manic episodes can include excessive energy, inappropriately elevated mood and/or risky behavior. (Learn more about bipolar symptoms.)
It�s not surprising that misdiagnosis happens. After all, depression and bipolar disorder do have some symptoms (the depressive ones) in common. And because there�s generally less awareness about bipolar disorder, people often don�t recognize manic symptoms and report them to their doctors.
There is good news: there are highly effective treatments for bipolar disorder. The key is to get a correct diagnosis.
If you are being treated for depression, you owe it to yourself to ask the right questions. A good place to start is with the Mood Questionnaire.
Depression vs. Bipolar Disorder
Help your doctor make the right call, fill out this simple questionnaire
If you suspect you may have had signs of bipolar disorder (recently or even in the distant past), this questionnaire is an excellent first step in exploring your symptoms. It’s quick, easy, and confidential, and you can print out the results page to share with your doctor.
Of course, the Mood Questionnaire is not a substitute for a doctor’s judgment or advice. If the results suggest that you may have bipolar disorder, you should see a qualified health care professional for a complete evaluation for bipolar disorder.
This Mood Questionnaire, also known as the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ), was developed by Robert M. A. Hirschfeld, MD, as a tool to help doctors quickly and easily identify patients who may have bipolar disorder. The Mood Disorder Questionnaire was first published in the American Journal of Psychiatry.
This questionnaire is designed for screening purposes only and is not to be used for diagnosis.
www.isitreallydepression.com/mini_c/Isitreallydepression/tools/mdq/step1.asp
Could your depression be a sign of bipolar disorder? You owe it to yourself to find out.
Major depressive disorder�many of us refer to it as "depression"�and bipolar disorder have many symptoms in common. However, they are two different conditions that require different treatments.
Many people being treated for depression are actually dealing with bipolar disorder�but they don�t know it yet, because they haven�t recognized the symptoms. In fact, one study showed many patients with bipolar disorder initially received an incorrect diagnosis of depression.
Bipolar disorder, also called manic depression, involves periods of depression but also periods of mania. Manic episodes can include excessive energy, inappropriately elevated mood and/or risky behavior. (Learn more about bipolar symptoms.)
It�s not surprising that misdiagnosis happens. After all, depression and bipolar disorder do have some symptoms (the depressive ones) in common. And because there�s generally less awareness about bipolar disorder, people often don�t recognize manic symptoms and report them to their doctors.
There is good news: there are highly effective treatments for bipolar disorder. The key is to get a correct diagnosis.
If you are being treated for depression, you owe it to yourself to ask the right questions. A good place to start is with the Mood Questionnaire.
Depression vs. Bipolar Disorder
Help your doctor make the right call, fill out this simple questionnaire
If you suspect you may have had signs of bipolar disorder (recently or even in the distant past), this questionnaire is an excellent first step in exploring your symptoms. It’s quick, easy, and confidential, and you can print out the results page to share with your doctor.
Of course, the Mood Questionnaire is not a substitute for a doctor’s judgment or advice. If the results suggest that you may have bipolar disorder, you should see a qualified health care professional for a complete evaluation for bipolar disorder.
This Mood Questionnaire, also known as the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ), was developed by Robert M. A. Hirschfeld, MD, as a tool to help doctors quickly and easily identify patients who may have bipolar disorder. The Mood Disorder Questionnaire was first published in the American Journal of Psychiatry.
This questionnaire is designed for screening purposes only and is not to be used for diagnosis.
www.isitreallydepression.com/mini_c/Isitreallydepression/tools/mdq/step1.asp
