Bipolar affective disorder

Bipolar affective disorder, previously called manic depression, is a mental disorder and a chronic illness characterized by abnormal mood elevation alternating with episodes of depression. Episodes of abnormally elevated or irritable mood include distractibility, pressured speech, hyperactivity, elevated ideas, decreased need for sleep, and talkativeness. During manic episodes, these symptoms intensify and last for at least a week; later, they subside somewhat, and the mood becomes depressive. People often overlook manic episodes, leading to a diagnosis of major depression. Relatives or people in the patient’s environment can help with the diagnosis. Special medications are necessary to stabilize acute manic episodes.

Source | Author Doctor Nikas Samuolis, reviewed by Prof. Virginijus Šapoka | Vilnius University | Faculty of Medicine | Head of the Department of Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, and Oncology