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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.

  1. Symptoms of Mania

    • 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

    • 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

    • 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

    • 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

    • 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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