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THE EPISODES OF BIPOLAR DISORDERThere are two major resources for the classification of Bipolar Disorder. One is the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM-IV). The second is the ICD-10 Classifications for Bipolar Disorder, from the World Health Organization. The DSM or ICD criteria are guidelines for the symptoms of Bipolar Disorder, and are used by psychiatrists to help diagnose Bipolar Disorder. This article will describe the guidelines according to the DSM-IV. Bipolar I Disorder is characterized by the occurrence of one or more Manic Episodes or Mixed Episodes. Also, individuals have had one or more Major Depressive Episodes. Bipolar II Disorder is characterized by the occurrence of one or more Major Depressive Episodes with at least one Hypomanic Episode. A Major Depressive Episode is the occurrence of five or more of the symptoms listed below present during the same two-week period. Also, at least one of the symptoms is depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure, and the symptoms persist most of the day. The symptoms are depressed mood, diminished pleasure in activities, significant weight loss or gain, decrease or increase in appetite, insomnia or hypersonmia, psychomotor agitation or retardation, loss of energy, feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt, diminished ability to think or concentrate, and recurrent thoughts of death. A Manic Episode is characterized by three or more of the following symptoms occurring for at least one week. The episode also causes problems in the workplace, during social activities, and in relationships. The symptoms are inflated self-esteem, decreased need for sleep, more talkative than usual, Flight of ideas or racing thoughts, distractibility, increase in goal-directed activity, and excessive involvement in pleasurable activities with high risk. A Mixed Episode is characterized by meeting the criteria for both a Manic Episode and a Major Depressive Episode, and the mood disturbance is sufficient to cause problems in the workplace, in social activities, and with relationships. A Hypomanic Episode is the occurrence of three or more symptoms of a Manic Episode, lasting for at least four days. A Hypomanic Episode, however, is not severe enough to cause major problems at work or during social activities.
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 BipolarConnection
2001 - 2008
Designed by
Although BipolarConnection Network strives for
the highest quality in the resources offered here, unless otherwise noted,
BipolarConnection Network is not responsible for the validity or accuracy of the
material presented in. The pages are thought to be accurate, but no warranties,
expressed or implied, are made. The opinions of the authors are not necessarily
the opinion of BipolarConnection Network.
The contents of BipolarConnection Network are
for information purposes only and do not replace the assessment of a physician
or psychotherapist.. Always consult a trained mental health professional before making any decision regarding treatment choice or changes in your treatment. Never discontinue treatment or medication without first consulting your physician, clinician or therapist. If you are feeling like you want to harm yourself or others, please consult a mental health professional or other health care professional IMMEDIATELY. Online resources are not meant to nor cannot replace the specialized training and professional judgment of a health care or mental health care professional. |
|
BipolarConnection
2001 - 2008
Designed by
Although BipolarConnection Network strives for
the highest quality in the resources offered here, unless otherwise noted,
BipolarConnection Network is not responsible for the validity or accuracy of the
material presented in. The pages are thought to be accurate, but no warranties,
expressed or implied, are made. The opinions of the authors are not necessarily
the opinion of BipolarConnection Network.
The contents of BipolarConnection Network are
for information purposes only and do not replace the assessment of a physician
or psychotherapist.. Always consult a trained mental health professional before making any decision regarding treatment choice or changes in your treatment. Never discontinue treatment or medication without first consulting your physician, clinician or therapist. If you are feeling like you want to harm yourself or others, please consult a mental health professional or other health care professional IMMEDIATELY. Online resources are not meant to nor cannot replace the specialized training and professional judgment of a health care or mental health care professional. |
