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.