| www.megavista-health.com Bipolar disorder is also commonly referred to as manic depression. This term comes from the cycling that occurs with this mental disorder, from extremely depressed to a very euphoric, or manic state. Bipolar disorder is estimated to affect approximately 3% of adults. Bipolar disorder can be difficult to diagnose, and its difficult to distinguish from classical depression. The key difference is that those individuals with bipolar disorder will also experience manic episodes, which are phases of elevated mood or euphoria. These manic phases can include hallucinations, delusions of grandeur, racing thoughts, increased energy and a decreased need for sleep. In some cases, a manic episode can involve irritation, anxiety, or aggravation rather than the overwhelming happy feelings typically associated with mania. Signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder include distinct altering phases of depression and mania. During a major depressive episode, typical depression symptoms are present, including feelings of sadness, loss of energy, lack of interest in otherwise enjoyable activities, loneliness and apathy. Interestingly, the signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder may not be enough to diagnose this disorder, due to the occasional presence of hypomania or a mixed affective episode. Hypomania is a mild manic episode and a mixed affective episode is a simultaneous occurrence of mania and depression. Both of these instances can make diagnosis increasingly ... |
