Definition:

Bipolar disorder, or manic-depressive illness (MDI), is one of the most common, severe, and persistent
mental illnesses. Bipolar disorder is characterized by periods of deep, prolonged, and profound depression
that alternate with periods of an excessively elevated and/or irritable mood known as mania.
Categories:
1. unipolar-
 Major depressive disorder-2 weeks + suicidal ideation + with/out
psychotic feature

 Dysthemic disorder- a mood disorder characterized by a chronic

depressive mood or loss of interest or pleasure in activities but not severe
enough to be classified as meajor depressive disorder. No psychotic
feature. Long term, chronic-lasts 2 years
Manifestations:
• Chronic fatigue
• Psychomotor agitation, retardation
• Chronic general pain
• Sleep disturbance (insomnia, hypersomnia)
• Disorders in appetite
• GI complaints (diarrhea)
• Impaired libido
• Lack of self-care interest
• Anhedism-lack of pleasure
• Tiredness
• Weakness
• Difficulty focusing
• Hopelessness
2. bipolar
 Bipolar 1
-with/out major depressive disorder, patient has episode of mania for at
least one week
 Bipolar 2
- patient experiences some major depressive disorder at least 2 weeks but
never reaches manic episode
 Cyclothemia
-mood disorder characterized by cycles of depression and hypomania
lasting at least 2 years. S/s aren’t severe enough for a diagnosis of major
depression or bipolar. No psychotic feature such as delusions and
hallucinations at least 2 years
Manifestations:
 Hyperactivity
 Accelerated speech
 Inappropriate behavior
 Increase energy level
 Increase sexuality
 Increase pleasurable activities
 Bragging about accomplishments with exaggeration
o Bipolar not otherwise specified- Persons must meet both the criteria for mania and
major depression; the depressive event is required to be present for 1 week only.
o The mood disturbance results in marked disruption in social or vocation function.
o The mood is not the result of substance abuse or a medical condition.. The mixed
symptomology is quite common in patients presenting with bipolar symptomology.