Filed In:
Moods / Episodes
The hallmark of bipolar disorder (manic depression) is the extreme mood swings – episodes of mania and depression – which are out of line with normal life events. Found here are resources and information relating to these emotional extremes.
What is an Episode?
The best lay definition of episode that fits with bipolar disorder is - an incident or event that is part of a larger sequence. The DSM-IV has strict rules about how long an episode must last to be considered manic, hypomanic, depressive or mixed.
Complex Features of Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar Disorder is more than mood swings. Features of depression and mania can occur together in mixed episodes; cycles can be slow or very rapid; symptoms of psychosis can be part of mania; or depressed persons can become manic from taking antidepressants. Learn more about an illness that afflicts some of the best and brightest human minds.
The "Kindling" Model in Bipolar Disorder
Can lack of treatment for bipolar disorder cause rapid cycling? Can stress lead a person at risk for manic depression into spontaneous mania or depression? The theory of kindling says yes.
The Kindling Model Revisited
While the Kindling Model has generally been accepted as an explanation for the progression of bipolar disorder over the life time, recent research indicates otherwise.
