Symptoms    

• alternating mania (exaggerated feeling of well-being) or depression; one emotional tone may predominate

• little or no observable change in mood, or mood is inappropriate for the situation

• anxiety, stress, and tension

In the depressive phase:

• loss of self-esteem

• withdrawal

• feelings of helplessness or worthlessness

• excessive or inappropriate guilt

• fatigue (tiredness or weariness) lasting for weeks to months

• overwhelming sluggishness (inertia)

• persistent daytime sleepiness

• insomnia

• difficulty concentrating, easily distracted by inconsequential event(s)

• loss of appetite

• weight loss (unintentional)

• abnormal thoughts about death

• thoughts about suicide, plans to commit suicide, or suicide attempt(s)

• diminished interest in daily activities

• diminished pleasure in daily activities

• memory loss (amnesia) episode

In the manic phase:

• elevated mood

• increased activities

• flight of ideas or racing thoughts

• inflated self-esteem

• decreased need for sleep

• agitation

• more talkative than usual or pressure to keep talking

• increased purposeless activity (e.g., pacing, hand wringing)

• extreme restlessness

• weight gain (unintentional)

• poor temper control

• excessively irresponsible behavior pattern

• increased goal-directed social or sexual activity

• impaired excessive involvement in pleasurable activities with high potential for painful consequences

• false beliefs (delusions)

• hallucinations

Signs And Tests    

A psychiatric history of mood swings and an observation of current behavior and mood are helpful in the diagnosis of this disorder. A family history of manic-depressive illness may be present. A physical examination may be performed to rule out physical causes of the disorder.

Treatment

Hospitalization may be required during an acute phase to control the symptoms. Antidepressant drugs may be given. Neuroleptic drugs and benzodiazepine are often used to control mania in the acute phase. Lithium carbonate may be prescribed for maintenance therapy to relieve symptoms and prevent the onset of mood swings. In severe cases, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be used to treat persistent depression. ECT is a psychiatric treatment that causes a central nervous system seizure by means of an electrical current. It is used to treat severe depression and can be effective in manic disorders. Psychotherapy may also be needed for emotional support during the depressive phase.

Expectations (Prognosis)    

In some people, lithium therapy has prevented recurrence of symptoms. In others, poor compliance with lithium therapy or unwanted side effects, have made it less effective.

Complications

Suicide potential is present with sustained depression.

Do you Experience Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder?

Call us at (919) 466-7540 if you experience symptoms of bipolar affective disorder.