Could I be bipolar?

[bulimic/alcoholic]

What exactly is bipolar?

I do go from very high to very low within seconds, super mood swings that come out of nowhere... is that bipolar or is that just me?

[rabbit]

That's one symptom of being bi-polar, but the only way you can know if you have it for sure is by consulting doctor about it. Self-diagnosis is never a good idea (: Good luck, if you really think you have it, research into it

[Valkry]

That sounds more like Borderline Personality Disorder. Bipolar the mania has to last for quite a bit longer than a few hours (days), and it needs to be followed by a major depressive episode.

I know this because I was initially diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder (Schizophrenia + mood disorder) with the bipolar subtype. BUT my moods cycled too fast for it to be that, so I was rediagnosed with a double whammy of schizophrenia + personality disorder (Borderline).

By the way, my moods are the same way - up, up, up, then CRASH (within less than an hour). How are your relationships? Mine are unstable as hell because I sabotage them unconsciously (another symptom). Terrified of rejection? (I have nightmares about it all the time) Do you cut or wish you could? You have an eating disorder and that's another sign, though not requirement of BPD (estimated to be over 50% of have the criteria to have one). Low self esteem and distorted self-image?

Look it up if you'd like. Could be you. :(

Of course you'll have to talk to your doctor, that's the best advice I could give you.

[stella_blues]

Yup- what Valkry said.

I will add that in Bipolar Disorder II there's such a thing as rapid cycling and hypmania, or a mixed-state mania. This can involve mood swings that happen within hours of each other. (I have BP II.)

But, yeah, Borderline is more common and more likely.

Don't forget about hormone issues. Eating disorders always screw with your hormones- which dictate your moods. So it could just be your eating disorder causing the swings.