The episode is not severe enough to cause marked impairment in social or occupational functioning, or to necessitate hospitalization, and there are no psychotic features.į. The disturbance in mood and the change in functioning are observable by others.Į.

The episode is associated with an unequivocal change in functioning that is uncharacteristic of the person when not symptomaticĭ. excessive involvement in pleasurable activities that have a high potential for painful consequences (e.g., the person engages in unrestrained buying sprees, sexual indiscretions, or foolish business investments)Ĭ.increase in goal-directed activity (either socially, at work or school, sexually) or psychomotor agitation.distractibility (i.e., attention too easily drawn to unimportant or irrelevant external stimuli).A distinct period of persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood, lasting throughout at least 4 days, that is clearly different from the usual nondepressed mood. Note: Manic-like episodes that are clearly caused by somatic antidepressant treatment (e.g., medication, electroconvulsive therapy, light therapy) should not count toward a diagnosis of Bipolar I Disorder.Ī. The symptoms are not due to the direct physiological effects of a substance (e.g., a drug of abuse, a medication, or other treatment) or a general medical condition (e.g., hyperthyroidism). The mood disturbance is sufficiently severe to cause marked impairement in occupational functioning or in usual social activities or relationships with others, or to necessitate hospitalization to prevent harm to self or others, or there are psychotic features.Į. The symptoms do not meet criteria for a Mixed Episodeĭ. excessive involvement in pleasurable activities that have a high potential for painful consequences (e.g., engaging in unrestrained buying sprees, sexual indiscretions, or foolish business investments)Ĭ.increase in goal-directed activity (either socially, at work or school, or sexually) or psychomotor agitation.distractibility (i.e., attention is easily drawn to unimportant or irrelevant external stimuli).flight of ideas or subjective experience that thoughts are racing.more talkative than usual or pressure to keep talking.decreased need for sleep (e.g., feels rested after only 3 hours of sleep).During the period of mood disturbance, three (or more) of the following symptoms have persisted (four if the mood is only irritable) and have been present to a significant degree: A distinct period of abnormally and persistently elevated, expansive or irritable mood, lasting for at least one week (or any duration if hospitalization is necessary).ī. Cyclothymia is characterized by highs which fulfil some but not all criteria for hypomania and lows which fulfil some but not all criteria for depression.Ī. Bipolar II disorder is characterized by hypomanic episodes alternating with depressive episodes. Bipolar I disorder is characterized by a history of at least one manic episode, and (usually) depressive episodes. It is distinguished from Schizoaffective Disorder by the absence of psychotic symtoms (such as delusions, halucinations) during periods of stable mood.īipolar Disorder is really a spectrum of disorders. With proper treatment, most people with bipolar disorders are able to lead fulfilling and productive lives.īipolar Disorder is distinguished from Major Depressive Disorder by the presence of manic or hypomanic episodes. However, effective medical treatments are available, and new research is constantly expanding the range of possible treatment options. Affecting 2.2 million Americans, this illness typically begins in adolescence or early adulthood and continues throughout life, with 80% of patients experiencing multiple manic episodes and 15% ending their lives in suicide. Also known as manic depressive illness, bipolar disorder is characterized by severe and disabling highs (mania) and lows (depression).

Bipolar manic episode