MEDLINEplus Health Information: Return to home page   A service of the National Library of Medicine: Go to NLM home page
Search     Advanced Search    Site Map    About MEDLINEplus    Home
Health Topics: conditions, diseases and wellness Drug Information: generic and brand name drugs Dictionaries: spellings and definitions of medical terms Directories: doctors, dentists and hospitals Other Resources: organizations, libraries, publications, MEDLINE

Medical Encyclopedia

Disease     Injury     Nutrition     Poison     Special     Surgery     Symptoms     Tests

Bipolar Disorder
 
Overview   Symptoms   Treatment   Prevention   

Bipolar disorder (manic)

Alternative names:

manic phase of manic-depressive disorder

Symptoms:

  • alternating mania or depression; one emotional tone may predominate, with mania as the current or most recent phase

In the manic phase:

  • increased activities
  • increased energy
  • flight of ideas or racing thoughts
  • inflated self-esteem
  • delusions of grandeur
  • decreased need for sleep
  • talkativeness
  • easy agitation
  • poor self control

In the depressive phase:

  • loss of self-esteem
  • withdrawal
  • helplessness
  • fatigue
  • overwhelming sluggishness (inertia)
  • difficulty concentrating
  • loss of appetite

Signs and tests:

A psychiatric history of mood swings, and observation of current behavior and mood are important in the diagnosis of this disorder. A family history of manic-depressive illness may be present. A physical examination may be performed to rule out physical causes of disorder.


Adam

The information provided herein should not be used for diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Copyright 2000 adam.com, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Health Topics | Drug Information | Dictionaries | Directories | Other Resources