Other conditions with symptoms similar to bipolar disorder
Depression, extreme mood or personality changes, or episodes of intense or unusually high energy seen in bipolar disorder can be caused by many disorders. Other possible causes for these types of symptoms include:
- Drug, alcohol, or other substance abuse.
- Schizophrenia.
- Depression.
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
- Hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
- Psychosis from steroid use.
It is also possible that certain serious medical conditions, such as a brain tumor, can cause a change in personality or behavior. You or your loved one should seek treatment for these symptoms. Be sure to discuss all your symptoms with your doctor to help in making an accurate diagnosis.
Bipolar I disorder (pronounced "bipolar one" and also known as manic-depressive disorder or manic depression) is a form of mental illness. A person affected by bipolar I disorder has had at least one manic episode in his or her life. A manic episode is a period of abnormally elevated mood, accompanied by abnormal behavior that disrupts life. Most people with bipolar I disorder also suffer from episodes of depression. Often, there is a pattern of cycling between mania and depression. This is...
Read the Bipolar I Disorder article > >
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