Hypothyroid bipolar disorder is present when a patient suffering from bipolar disorder also experiences problems with the thyroid gland. For that reason, symptoms are shared between the two diseases with mental symptoms caused by too little production of the thyroid hormone.
Manic Episodes
Manic episodes are a symptom of the disease that comes from the bipolar disorder part of the disease. These include either a euphoric mood or extreme irritability. This symptom also manifests itself with racing thoughts, lack of need for sleep, increased energy, extreme concentration on a topic and excessive talking.
Depressive Episodes
Depressive episodes also come from the bipolar half of the disease. This symptom includes feelings of guilt, restlessness, suicidal thoughts, inability to focus, insomnia and anxiety.
Mixed Episodes
This symptom is a combination of the manic and depressive phase. Basically, the suffer will show racing thoughts and insomnia, focus and irritability or any other combination.
Memory Loss
Memory loss is another key symptom of hypothyroid bipolar disorder. This symptoms springs from inability to focus.
Decreased Libido
The decrease in thyroid hormone production means the metabolism is going to be more sluggish, because the thyroid hormone controls the metabolism. Weakness and tiredness will result.
Diagnosis
Because the symptoms of hypothyroid bipolar disorder are shared by bipolar disorder and thyroid disorders, a blood test is needed to determine which symptom is springing from which disease. A simple blood test should be sufficient, but in some cases, detailed blood work is needed.
Tags: bipolar disorder, from bipolar, This symptom, thyroid hormone, blood test