How to Recognize a Manic Episode or Hypomanic Episode of Bipolar Disorder If someone you know has or may have bipolar disorder, you need to know the signs that point to a manic or hypomanic episode. If you see a group of these behaviors, you (if possible and appropriate) or the individual in question should contact a doctor. Going to an emergency room may be the right choice, depending on how extreme the behavior is. Note: Most symptoms are shared between mania and hypomania. Make note of any changes in sleeping patterns, especially if your friend or loved one has lots of energy on just a few hours of sleep. Tips: Make a pact with your friend that if you bring these manic behaviors to his attention, he will contact his doctor. This is not an exhaustive list of manic symptoms.
Antidepressants in Bipolar Disorder PsychEducation.org (home) Antidepressants in Bipolar Disorder: The Controversies[Updated 2/2014 with ISBD review. Controversy 3 updated in September 2009; all else is older. Reviewed for accuracy in October 2012] This page has been maintained for nearly 5 years. The bottom line overall here: antidepressants may carry much more risk for people with bipolar disorder than is generally recognized. However, antidepressants may pose bigger risks in the long term. Therefore, considerable caution should be used before starting an antidepressant in a patient with bipolar disorder. Finally, some patients clearly do better if they stay on an antidepressant. Page outline International Society for Bipolar Disorders Task Force recommendations: you might just want to read this and stop there! Controversy "zero": Do antidepressants even work in bipolar depression? Controversy 1: Antidepressants can cause "switching" from depression to hypomania or mania, but how common is this? Don't listen to me. 1. 2.
Bipolar Advantage LucidInterval.org - A Self-Management Guide for Bipolar Disorder