Mixed bipolar states
You can live well with bipolar disorder!
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Mixed states – bipolar in deadly disguise
Mixed bipolar states occur in from half to three-quarters of all episodes. Mixed states are so called because they include depressive and manic symptoms.
They may not look like bipolar disorder at all, if observers are looking for a rapturous, fast-talking maniac or a withdrawn, immoble depressive!
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Recognising Mixed Bipolar States
Mixed states look different from sufferer to sufferer.
Here are some of the descriptions from Madeleine's experience and the literature:
- depressive symptoms
- mental alertness
- restless, tense behaviour
- highly-strung voice content
- agression
- difficult to interrupt
It's the combination of manic and depressive features that is the hallmark of mixed bipolar states.
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Features of Mixed States compared with pure mania or depression
- higher suicide rates
- higher drug and alcohol use
- rapidly changing mood
- more likely to be argumentative or aggressive
- less likely to be brought to medical attention
- signs are seen as 'bad behaviour' by family and other observers.
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If you or a loved one has mixed states
Write down all the 'odd' things the sufferer does when in the mixed state. Try to separate these into 'Depressive' or 'Manic' and take your list to the doctor.
Tell the doctor that you think the sufferer is in a 'mixed bipolar state.' If the doctor hasn't heard of that, explain that it's a combination of depression and mania. Ask for a referral to a specialist psychiatrist or a mental health nurse. Remember the risk of suicide is high among sufferers of mixed bipolar states. |
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About Us | Site Map | Privacy Policy | Contact Us | ©2005-2007 Two Trees Media
Last modified 16 January 2008
This page was written and published by
Madeleine Kelly, a bipolar sufferer who underwent undergraduate medical
training (University of Melbourne) and who is the author of Bipolar and
the Art of Roller-coaster Riding.
Questions or problems regarding this web site should be directed to Publisher at TwoTreesMedia dot com.
This site and the book Bipolar and the Art of
Roller-coaster Riding, the 2nd edition of Life on a Roller-coaster - living
well with depression and manic depression contain the opinions and ideas of
the author, Madeleine Kelly. The site and the book are intended to provide
helpful and informative material on the subjects addressed. The book is sold
with the understanding that the author is not engaged in rendering medical,
health, or any other kind of professional services in the book. The reader
should consult his or her medical, health, or other competent professional
before adopting any of the suggestions in the book or this site or drawing
inferences therefrom. The author and publisher disclaim all responsibility
for any liability, loss, or risk, personal or otherwise, which is incurred
as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use and application of any
of the contents of this book or site.
