Tell Me More About Depression.
9. Is my depression part of bipolar disorder?
Bipolar Disorder is characterized by mood cycles from a depressive state to a manic or hypomanic state over the course of weeks. During a manic (high) phase, people experience one or more of the following symptoms: 1) elevation in mood, 2) extreme irritability, 3) need for less sleep, 4) extra energy, 5) take risks without regard to the affect on their family or professional life, 6) spend money recklessly, 7) disjointed thoughts, or 8) rapid speech.
In the most extreme form of Bipolar Disorder, a person may end up in the emergency room or admitted to hospital for a period of stabilization. Recently there has been increasing recognition of milder forms of Bipolar Disorder that are often misdiagnosed.
This is an important diagnostic issue as mood stabilizing agents, such as Lithium, are required to treat Bipolar Disorder during depressed periods.
References:
Glick ID. Undiagnosed Bipolar Disorder: New Syndromes and New Treatments. Prim Care Companion J Clin Psychiatry 2004;6:27-33.
Thomas P. The many forms of bipolar disorder: a modern look at an old illness. J Affect Disord 2004;79 Suppl 1:S3-S8.
Hirschfeld RM. The Mood Disorder Questionnaire: A Simple, Patient-Rated Screening Instrument for Bipolar Disorder. Prim Care Companion J Clin Psychiatry 2002;4:9-11. |
