| Disclaimer: The information on this site was obtained from health care professionals and personal experience. I am not a doctor, nurse, licensed counselor, or any other type of health professional. The information on this site is not to be construed as an attempt to diagnose, treat, or cure any medical condition. |
Bipolar Disorder has two components: mania -- the high, and depression --
the low. Both of these extremes in mood, and the behavior changes that
accompany them, last for at least four days (mania) or at least two weeks
(depression).
Characteristics of mania include the following:
For an episode to be diagnosed as mania, the mood and some of the behaviorsmust be present for at least four consecutive days, and must severely interfere
with the person's daily functioning. Hypomania is the term applied when the
mood and behaviors do not cause serious disruption of daily life. By definition, if
psychosis is present, the diagnosis is mania.
It is very rare for mania to occur except as part of a cycle which includes
depression. For this reason, there is no disorder called "Major Mania" as in
"Major Depression."
Return to Home Page Next Page -- Symptoms of Bipolar Depression
the low. Both of these extremes in mood, and the behavior changes that
accompany them, last for at least four days (mania) or at least two weeks
(depression).
Characteristics of mania include the following:
 | Euphoric, grandiose, or expansive mood -- you may feel on top of the | |
| world, overly confident, recklessly generous. Some people experience an irritable mood instead. | ||
| High energy combined with decreased need for sleep (4 or less hours). | |
| Lack of sleep can be a trigger for bipolar mania, or a symptom of an episode. | ||
| High productivity -- increased activities. | |
| Increased flow of ideas; racing thoughts and fast speech often | |
| accompany this symptom. | ||
| Heightened creativity. Research has revealed that many of history's | |
| well-known artists and inventors were most likely bipolar. | ||
| Reckless, impulsive behavior with potentially harmful consequences, | |
| such as excessive spending or unprotected sex | ||
| In more severe cases, hallucinations or delusions (psychosis). |
For an episode to be diagnosed as mania, the mood and some of the behaviors
with the person's daily functioning. Hypomania is the term applied when the
mood and behaviors do not cause serious disruption of daily life. By definition, if
psychosis is present, the diagnosis is mania.
It is very rare for mania to occur except as part of a cycle which includes
depression. For this reason, there is no disorder called "Major Mania" as in
"Major Depression."
Return to Home Page Next Page -- Symptoms of Bipolar Depression
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| My writing: Lunar Moth Bipolar Blog Associated Content Page |
| Recommended: |
| Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder -- Manic Phase |
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