FAQ on Bipolar Disorder

Mania

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-R), the book that psychiatrists use to diagnose mental health problems, states that before a condition is considered mania, the person must exhibit the following symptoms. First, a person's mood must be elevated, expansive, or irritable over at least two weeks. They may act with arrogance and belligerence. The second criterion states that at least three of the following symptoms must have been present to a significant degree:

• inflated sense of self
  
• decreased need for sleep (feeling rested after only three hours of sleep)
  
• unusual talkativeness
  
• flights of ideas or racing thoughts
  
• distractibility
  
• increase in goal directed activity (i.e. social, spending, sexual, or physical)
  
• excessive involvement in risk-taking activities

Depression

The DSM-IV-R establishes several criteria for major depression. A condition must exhibit five of the following symptoms, be present for at least two weeks, and impair a person's ability to function. The symptoms are:

• depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day
  
• diminished interest in pleasurable activities
  
• significant weight gain or loss (when not dieting)
  
• insomnia or hypersomnia
  
• abnormal restlessness
  
• fatigue
  
• feelings of worthlessness or guilt
  
• diminished ability to think, concentrate or make decisions
  
• suicidal ideations or actions
  

DISCLAIMER: Everyone experiences a certain amount of these symptoms. However, it is the degree of severity and impairment on a person's daily activities that determine the diagnosis. Some of these symptoms in both the mania and depression categories may actually not be manic depression but another illness with similar diagnostic criteria. Self-diagnosis can be dangerous. Be sure to go to a American Psychological Association (APA) Board Certified doctor to have an accurate diagnosis made.

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