Mixed episode

'Bipolar A' Deirdre Oliver

A mixed episode occurs when the person has:

  • Symptoms of both mania and depression at the same time for at least a week. For example, the person may experience rapid mood swings (happy, sad, and irritable), be restless, irritable, unable to sleep, and feel guilty and suicidal.
  • Symptoms cause significant disruption to the person’s daily life and hospitalisation may be necessary.

'Bipolar B' Deirdre Oliver