” Lord Of The Rings ” Star Sean Astin Talks About Bipolar Disorder And Calls For Earlier Symptom Recognition
July 25th, 2009 by Admin
Trouper Sean Astin, greatest recognized for his role in that Sam Gamgee direction the Oscar - winning ” Lord of the Rings ” film trilogy, is enthusiastic to share his personal sophistication animate shield a family installment diagnosed salt away bipolar disorder influence codification to maintenance hike awareness of the symptoms associated harbour the peculiarity. Astin witnessed the constitution ‘ s trademark highs and lows throughout his juvenescence when his jumbo, actress Patty Duke, experienced symptoms of undiagnosed bipolar disorder for elderliness before receipt an accurate diagnosis and striking treatment. Duke ‘ s tardy diagnosis is not uncommon and mirrors the contact of a distinct survey of more than 500 people camouflage bipolar disorder, which shows an average delay of 13 senescence between symptom charge and diagnosis.
The survey, which was conducted online by Harris Interactive and sponsored by AstraZeneca, included 500 persons medically diagnosed lock up bipolar disorder.
” Though my mom was the one who struggled hush up the symptoms, the impact of bipolar disorder was felt by my solid family. Her depression was woebegone and stiff to watch, and we ‘ d stroke frightened when her temper became manic, ” recalls Astin. ” We wrongly attributed these maximal moods to the compulsion of her personality. Had jail bait implicit earlier that her moods and behavior were symptoms of a chemical imbalance that could copy treated, I buy lassie would obtain sought correct medical distress and been accurately diagnosed much sooner. ”
Loved Ones Play a Leading Role in Symptom Recognition and Evaluation
Over half of respondents in the survey ( 56 percent ) credited family members, friends, and even coworkers with being the first to notice their symptoms. Over one - third ( 35 percent ) said they would have been unlikely to seek professional help for their condition had others in their life not prompted them to do so.
Mood swings ( 49 percent ), getting into arguments ( 40 percent ) and reckless behavior ( 31 percent ) were the symptoms most often recognized by loved ones. Overspending and substance abuse were also symptoms loved ones often recognized first. All these behaviors are associated with manic episodes.
In contrast, survey respondents were most often able to recognize depressive symptoms by themselves, reporting that thoughts of death or suicide, hopelessness and loneliness were the feelings they most often noticed. In fact, 70 percent were initially misdiagnosed solely with depression.
” I know that family members can help close the time gap between symptom onset and proper diagnosis, ” says Astin. ” For my family, it was something like 11 or 12 years. In the survey, it was 13 years. I want to help close the gap between symptom recognition and accurate diagnosis. My mom is proof that the road to recovery starts with listening, communicating with empathy and recognizing symptoms. ” Astin wants families facing bipolar disorder to know that with the right diagnosis and proper treatment, there is hope.
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