An excellent description of the "Red Flags" of Bipolar Disorder can be found at About.com. "These four articles list the symptoms and signs of manic and depressive episodes, danger signals that a person may be thinking about suicide, and the symptoms of childhood bipolar disorder, which is not entirely the same as adult manic depression."

Red Flags I (http://bipolar.about.com/library/weekly/aa980408.htm)
A look at the early warning signs of Bipolar Disorder - symptoms of mania.

Red Flags II (http://bipolar.about.com/library/weekly/aa980422.htm)
A look at the early warning signs of Bipolar Disorder - signs of depression.

Red Flags III (http://bipolar.about.com/library/weekly/aa980504.htm)
A look at the early warning signs that may indicate the danger of suicide.

Red Flags IV (http://bipolar.about.com/library/weekly/aa991214.htm)
A list of signs and symptoms of Bipolar Disorder in children.

Thanks Andrew!

That Red Flag list is a very thought crystalizing thing to look at, and explains why we have been asked to watch the Princess so carefully.

I was wondering, can you be bi-polar and have no thoughts of suicide?


I have a friend who was dx bi-polar and her doctor kept saying, death, suicide, etc. but she swears that has never crossed her mind because she has everything to live for. She has had episodes of depression where she just didn't "care" but never to the extent of killing herself. (so I'm told) I realize you never really know whats going on in someone else's mind but I've really been trying to pay attention to any "signs" and they just aren't there. She almost always seems happy and glad to be around other people. I'm no doctor I realize that but she said he just went on and on and on about suicide.

I don't have warning signs. I blow up suddenly and unexpectedly. I don't think you always have warning signs.