Bipolar affective disorder (bipolar depression)
About Bipolar affective disorder (bipolar depression)
A mental illness characterized by mood instability that can be serious and disabling. Bipolar disorder is also known as manic-depression or manic-depressive illness. Patients with this disorder suffer from extreme sadness (depression) coupled with periods of excessive energy and impulsive behavior. A milder form of this disorder is called cyclothymia. Bipolar disorder can be very serious and lead to suicidal thoughts and actions.Symptoms
Depression, hopelessness, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts, insomnia, fatigue, excitability, restlessness, excessive energy, impulsive actions, reckless behaviors.Tests & Diagnostics
A history and physical exam will be performed. A psychiatric consultation is generally done to confirm the diagnosis.Prescription medications
Conventional treatment summary
Therapy depends on the severity of the symptoms. Treatment includes: psychological counseling, lithium, antidepressant medications, mood stabilizer medications, and/or antipsychotic medications. Patients having suicidal thoughts require immediate medical attention.Medical specialties
Internal Medicine · Psychiatry · Pediatrics · Family Practice · Pediatric and Adolescent Psychiatry
This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Bipolar affective disorder (bipolar depression).