Bipolar Disorder: Recognizing Manic, Depressive, and Mixed Symptoms
Bipolar disorder involves episodes of mania/hypomania and depression.
Mania/Hypomania
- Elevated/expansive/irritable mood
- Increased energy, activity, talkativeness
- Racing thoughts, flight of ideas
- Decreased need for sleep
- Impulsivity, risk-taking, poor judgment
- Grandiosity, possible psychosis
Depression
- Low mood, anhedonia
- Appetite/weight changes
- Sleep disturbance
- Fatigue
- Worthlessness/guilt
- Concentration difficulties
- Suicidal ideation
Other Patterns
- Mixed episodes: Simultaneous manic and depressive symptoms.
- Rapid cycling: ≥4 mood episodes/year.
Common Comorbidities
- Anxiety, OCD, substance use, eating disorders, migraines, cognitive changes.
Diagnosis requires clinical evaluation. Treatment: mood stabilizers, psychotherapy, lifestyle regularity.
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