Mixed-State Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a debilitating mental illness whose symptoms include mood swings between extreme excitability (mania) and bouts of depression. These mood shifts can happen suddenly. People with bipolar disorder have a higher risk of suicide than with any other mental illness. Sometimes the manic phase and the depressive stage occur simultaneously or in very rapid succession; this is known as mixed-state bipolar disorder.
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Symptoms of Mania
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A manic episode may last a few hours or a few months. It may include some or all of the following:
• Irritability
• Hyperactivity
• Loss of self control
• Agitation
• Racing thoughts
• Delusions of grandeur
• Inability to or little need for sleep
• Reckless behavior
• Inability to concentrate
• Psychosis
Symtpoms of Depression
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An episode of depression may last a few hours so a few months. It may include some or all of the following:
• Feelings of worthlessness
• Feelings of guilt
• Loss of self esteem
• Sadness
• Thoughts of suicide
• Difficulty concentrating
• Loss of appetite
• Overeating
• Sleep disturbances
• Withdrawal from friends and activities -
Mixed-State Bipolar
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Mixed episodes can be distressing and debilitating for the person with bipolar disorder and upsetting for those around her. Symptoms of a mixed episode may include:
• Insomnia
• Suicidal thoughts
• Impulsiveness
• Irritability
• Panic attacks
• Hopelessness
• Guilt
• Changes in appetite
• Psychosis
Symptoms of Psychosis
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Psychosis may occur during a mixed state involving exteme mania. During an episode of psychosis, a person loses touch with reality and experiences it in an "altered" state. Symptoms may include:
• Auditory hallucinations
• Visual hallucinations
• Sudden changes in thought
• Inability to recognize his surroundings
• Feeling of paranoia or persecution
Treatments for Bipolar Disorder
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The most common treatment options for bipolar disorder include:
Mood stabilizers--These range from older medications such as lithium to newer mood stabilizers such as Topamax.
Atypical antipsychotics--These include the newer and more expensive medications. They may provide a greater relief of symptoms, but they sometimes have more side effects. These include Seroquel, Zyprexa and Abilify.
Psychotherapy--Therapy and self-help behavioral strategies can help a person with mixed-state bipolar disorder gain the ability and confidence to function in day-to-day life.
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