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Bipolar disorder - depressed

Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention
Alternative Names:

Depression in bipolar disorder; Manic-depressive disorder - depressed phase

Symptoms:
Some of the symptoms that characterize the depressive phase:
  • Loss of self-esteem
  • Withdrawal
  • Helplessness
  • Fatigue
  • Inability to feel pleasure
  • Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
  • Loss of appetite or increased appetite
  • Insomnia or hypersomnia
  • Suicidal thoughts
In the manic phase:
  • Increase in goal directed activities
  • Flight of ideas or racing thoughts
  • Inflated self-esteem
  • Decreased need for sleep
  • Talkativeness
The two (manic and depressed) may appear together, in a "mixed" phase.
Signs and tests:

A history of mood swings, and an observation of current behavior and mood are important in the diagnosis of this disorder. It is important to know if there is a family history of manic-depressive illness.

A physical examination, a history of medical problems, and current medications are important to rule out other potential causes of the symptoms.

Bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder
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