David Baxter PhD
Late Founder
Bipolar isn't simple: there can be many sets of symptoms
by Gabrielle J. Melin, M.D.
Bipolar affective disorder is a disorder of mood that involves a depressive phase and a nondepressed or manic phase. Bipolar means literally two opposite poles, thus explaining the meaning of the word. It isn't quite that simple, though. People can experience the nondepressed or manic phase in more than one way. The mood during the manic phase can be euphoric or irritable or even a combination of the two. Furthermore, people can experience a "mixed episode" and can have both depressive and manic symptoms during the same episode of illness.
The specific set of symptoms is important as some medications, such as Lamictal, are better for a mixed bipolar episode. Medications used to treat bipolar (mood stabilizers) are different than moods used to treat depression.
The manic phase is characterized by elevated or irritable mood plus 3 to 4 of the following symptoms happening during the same time period (at least one week continuously):
The Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) is a self-screening tool that can be used in conjunction with a visit to a mental health provider. Mood swings alone do not mean you have bipolar. Borderline personality symptoms can look like bipolar and other mental illness, too. Time and accurate information help to make the correct diagnosis and provide the best treatment.
More information on the MDQ
by Gabrielle J. Melin, M.D.
Bipolar affective disorder is a disorder of mood that involves a depressive phase and a nondepressed or manic phase. Bipolar means literally two opposite poles, thus explaining the meaning of the word. It isn't quite that simple, though. People can experience the nondepressed or manic phase in more than one way. The mood during the manic phase can be euphoric or irritable or even a combination of the two. Furthermore, people can experience a "mixed episode" and can have both depressive and manic symptoms during the same episode of illness.
The specific set of symptoms is important as some medications, such as Lamictal, are better for a mixed bipolar episode. Medications used to treat bipolar (mood stabilizers) are different than moods used to treat depression.
The manic phase is characterized by elevated or irritable mood plus 3 to 4 of the following symptoms happening during the same time period (at least one week continuously):
- Decreased need for sleep (feeling refreshed on little sleep)
- Decreased appetite
- Grandiosity (inflated sense of self worth)
- Distractibility
- Excessive involvement in pleasurable activities that have a high potential for painful consequences (buying sprees, sexual indiscretion, foolish business ventures)
- Flight of ideas (talking and thinking that jumps from one topic to another-racing thoughts)
- Increase in activities involving school, work or social life
- Agitation
The Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) is a self-screening tool that can be used in conjunction with a visit to a mental health provider. Mood swings alone do not mean you have bipolar. Borderline personality symptoms can look like bipolar and other mental illness, too. Time and accurate information help to make the correct diagnosis and provide the best treatment.
More information on the MDQ
