Hello Doctor,
Could I have bipolar disorder? I experience mood swings where I sleep a lot and have no appetite during low moods. In high moods, I drink excessively, smoke, and have delusions. I can’t sleep for days, and I’ve done strange things, like sleeping with a lighter and almost burned my cat. What could be happening to me?
Hello,
Thank you for reaching out to Dr. Galen. Please find the below response to your query.
Based on what you’ve described, your symptoms may align with bipolar disorder, specifically Bipolar I or II, which involves cycles of depressive episodes and mania or hypomania. Here’s a breakdown of your symptoms in relation to bipolar disorder:
Low Mood (Depression):
1 . Excessive sleeping
2. Loss of appetite
3 . Difficulty concentrating or completing tasks
High Mood (Mania or Hypomania):
1 . Engaging in risky behaviors (such as excessive drinking and smoking)
2 . Experiencing delusions and hallucinations
3 . Insomnia lasting several days
4 . Impulsive actions, like endangering your pet without memory of it
Given the severity of your manic symptoms, particularly the hallucinations, delusions, and risky behavior, it’s crucial that you see a psychiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. Early intervention can help prevent further harm and significantly improve your quality of life. If you require immediate support, please reach out to a mental health professional or a crisis helpline.
Thanks
