Is a Frustrating Mess

7 Pages 1860 Words

vity are also the signs of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

(ADHD). (Haas, Beyond the Blues 39). It is mainly for this reason that many cases might

be misdiagnosed as ADHD and the prevalence of bipolar disorder in children could be

much higher. (Haas 145)

A person suffering from bipolar disorder alternates from manic states to those of

depression. (Haas 245) These emotional states can alternate cyclically or one mood may

dominate over the other. (Lee 28) It is also possible for the two to be mixed or combined

with each other. When the sufferer is in a manic phase of the disorder they may exhibit

many unusual behaviors that are not normally present in their everyday life. Elation is

probably the most obvious component, and it is often misplaced and without any real

reason for being in this mood. (Haas 123) Manic episodes bring with them extreme self-

confidence and energy to meet people and engage in all sorts of activities and adventures.

It is not uncommon to be unable to understand what a person in a manic state is saying

because they are talking loud and fast, and can jump from one subject to the next without

any provocation or knowing why. (Lee 20) Irritability and lack of attention span are also

trademarks of this state. (Greer 190) In its most extreme, mania can also bring about
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violence and rage from the individual. (Lee 24) During this period the sufferer often

enrolls themselves in many activities or responsibilities that they cannot fulfill after the

mania subsides, lending to further pro...