Currently, there is no laboratory or medical test that would give a straightforward conclusion that a person is suffering from bipolar disorder. This makes it difficult to determine if the symptoms (associated with bipolar disorder) that are present to him or her are indeed signs of this mental illness. Meanwhile, it is very important to detect whether or not this person really has bipolar disorder to provide the right treatment.
Furthermore, the symptoms that could be clear indications of bipolar disorder can be related to other identifiable physical or psychological illness. This makes it more difficult to give treatment since the focus is to give relief to the existing physical pain; rather than identifying if the patient is suffering from any psychological problem. And to complicate these things even further, a person who shows physical signs of bipolar disorder goes to medical doctors rather than a psychiatrist.
Therefore, bipolar disorder often remains unknown until it is too late to give treatment.
But this does not end here. There are other factors that cause problems in diagnosing bipolar disorder. These are:
Doctors' Dissimilar Opinions
There is an internationally accepted and standardized way to diagnose a patient whether he or she has bipolar disorder or not. The problem is, many therapists do not follow it. The result would be this: one patient can get several diagnoses from each therapist. The DSM-IV or the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fourth Revision, by the American Psychiatric Association is an internationally accepted standard for psychiatric diagnosis.
Self-denial on the part of the patient
Since there is a negative notion about mental illness, people are likely to deny their condition to escape from criticisms and discrimination. The result is, instead of seeking for immediate diagnosis on the onset of the illness, the patient prefers to keep it to him or herself. And if this happens, the effects could be far worse than previously imagined.
Misdiagnosis
When people are ill, they go to the doctor for treatment and obviously this is generally a good idea. However, there are physical illnesses that are not related to any disease or physical conditions. Some medical doctors are limited to treating medical and physical conditions. They are not qualified to diagnose if the medical and physical conditions are caused by psychological illness. And since the patient complains about a certain physical pain, the treatment given is that which corresponds to the complaints. In other words they're treating the symptoms and not the source of the problem.
In addition, psychological symptoms of bipolar disorder can also be associated with other psychological illnesses. These might be psychotic disorders (Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Disorder) substance-induced mood disorder, major depressive disorder, mood disorder due to a general medical condition.
With all these problems hindering a person - to know of his exact psychological condition, it is important to recognize his condition, accept that he needs help, and seek out a qualified psychologist or psychiatrist who is experienced with this kind of case. In this way, bipolar disorder can be managed properly and the effects would be minimized.
Dealing With Bipolar Disorder
If you suffer from a long-term mental illness, like bipolar disorder, it's possible that your level of confidence in your ability to successfully start and manage a business of your own has eroded with time. Your efforts in the past may have left you feeling like a square peg trying to fit into a round hole - both in your business pursuits, and in the path of traditional employment.
If not approached correctly, starting a business can be dangerous for a person with bipolar disorder, adding fuel to the fires of both mania and depression. People with bipolar disorder can be subject to manic delusions of grandeur, pursuing unrealistic business ideas, along with having grandiose and unrealistic expectations of themselves. After the period of mania wears off, the depressive mindset will likely set in, and with it, a realistic view of the unrealistic business they had been so excited about. They may feel foolish, and like a failure, and they may have also hurt and let down many people who believed in them.
This cycle of feelings of grandiosity followed by feelings of failure is harmful to the health and stability of the person with bipolar disorder, and may cause them to give up on themselves altogether. After many such let-downs and disappointments, many people with bipolar disorder who have great potential end up on disability, or otherwise dependent on others for their survival.
If you have bipolar disorder, starting your own business can be one of the best things you can do for yourself and your health ? as long as you approach it in the right way. It's important for you to gain perspective and understanding in order to tame the possibility of poor judgment based on manic impulses. You may gain this insight from recognition of your past patterns and mistakes in business, or if you're lucky enough not to have made any, from awareness of the potential pitfalls of both mania and depression in your business.
Ideally you can find a trusted friend and advisor to help support you with your goals of successful self-employment. This person should be a logical, grounded and rational critical thinker who has an understanding of bipolar disorder. He or she can be the sounding board for your plans, and you will need to rely on this person to help you by telling you when your ideas or judgment is poor. Your advisor can also help motivate you when your mood is depressed.
You're going to need to train your mind to approach your business in the right way, rather than in the incredible excitement, creativity and grandiosity that may have fueled your past endeavors. Be realistic, and know your weaknesses. You want to keep your stress levels down, so be careful not to do too much. If you find yourself beginning to work unstoppably 12-16 hours a day, it's time to force yourself to stop. Check in with your advisor to let them know you have to take a break, and do whatever you need to do to take care of your elevating mood, such as calling your psychiatrist and/or therapist.
Have realistic expectations and set small goals. This will prevent you from setting yourself up for disappointment, failure and depression. Do not aim to become a millionaire overnight ? simply begin by taking small steps. Be sure to find a good accountant - many small businesses may start out by making only a hundred or a few hundred dollars a month. By maximizing your tax write-offs, you can make up for this.
A good type of business for someone with bipolar disorder is a small home business. A home business is something you can start small and build up slowly, you won't need a lot of money to get started. You can set your own hours and limits, taking on only as much as you are capable of without over-stressing yourself. With a home business, you have the flexibility you need in coping with this disorder. You'll still be able to find the time for all the various tasks you already have throughout the week such as doctor's appointments, support groups, exercise, therapy, filling prescriptions, and so on.
There are an incredible number of benefits for a person with bipolar disorder starting a home business. You will find something that uses your talents and skills, and your confidence will increase dramatically. Having a regular responsibility that you enjoy will help you to be more healthy and stable. Your business will keep your mind active, and if you've been on disability it's likely you'll appreciate having something to do.
Your increasing income and tax deductions can help you get better insurance, pay for your medication, and overall begin to enjoy a better quality of life. As you take control of your income, you can begin to be relieved of the major stressor of poverty and financial need. Your self-esteem will rise as you become more independent and less dependent. You'll be able to start paying off your debts. And, being self-employed, you have created your own job security.
There are a great many more benefits to having your own home business if you have a mental illness. Finding a home business that fits and approaching it in the right way is one of the best things a person with bipolar disorder can do for their financial, mental and emotional health.
Both Matt Oconnor & David Oliver are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Matt Oconnor has sinced written about articles on various topics from Yoga Practice, Business and Finance and Wine and Spirits. Did you know 16% of the world's population suffer from depression? Are you a sufferer? The author of this article, Matthew OConnor runs a site dedicated to the latest news and developments in depression treatments, particularly. Matt Oconnor's top article generates over 450000 views. to your Favourites.
David Oliver has sinced written about articles on various topics from Bipolar Disorder, Anger Control and Bipolar Disorder. Writer and researcher, David Oliver, specializes in helping both supporters and sufferers of bipolar disorder through his website. For a FREE mini-series on coping with bipolar disorder, and info on 161 legitimate home businesses you can start now, visit. David Oliver's top article generates over 1900 views. to your Favourites.
