Bipolar Disorder

About

Four types of episodes are associated with bipolar disorder:

• Manic: A persistently elevated mood or irritability that affects a person's ability to function normally
• Depressive: Feelings of pessimism, gloom and hopelessness that last more than two weeks and make normal functioning difficult
• Mixed: Manic and depressive symptoms experienced at the same time, including racing thoughts, increased energy and irritability, plus depressed moods and suicidal thoughts
• Hypomanic: A milder form of mania that does not prevent a person from functioning normally