Yolanda Rivera October 5, 2013
PSY 142-316A
Fall semester
Out line

Mixed bipolar disorder

There are several types of bipolar disorder; all involve episodes of depression or and mania to a degree. I will be writing about the mixed bipolar. A mixed episode is not a disorder itself, but rather is a description of a component of a specific type of bipolar disorder .A mixed episode is defined by meeting the diagnostic criteria for both a manic episode as well as a major depressive episode nearly every day for at least a full week. Like most mental disorders, a mixed episode must be severe enough to cause distress or impairment in social, occupational, education or other important functioning and is not better accounted for by the physiological effects of substance use or abuse of alcohol, drugs, medications or a general medical condition.
What are mixed episodes in bipolar disorder
What the symptoms of a mixed episodes?
What are the risks of mixed episodes in bipolar disorder?

By definition, a mixed mood in bipolar disorder is the presence of both depression and mania. According to the latest version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR), mixed moods are only present in bipolar disorder type 1 as mixed moods require the presence of mania. Mixed mood episodes are (officially) found in bipolar disorder 1. The persons must meet both the criteria for mania and major depression; the depressive event is required to be present for 1 week only, the mood disturbance results in marked disruption in social or vocation function, the mood is not the result of substance abuse or a medical condition, mixed mood episodes are officially considered part of the manic phase of bipolar disorder. The symptom of mixed episodes can change for example, mixed affective episodes In the context of bipolar disorder, a mixed state is a condition during which symptoms of mania and depression occur simultaneously. Typical examples, include weeping during a manic episode or racing thoughts during a depressive episode. Individuals may also feel very frustrated in this state, for example thinking grandiose thoughts while at the same time feeling like a failure.
Mixed