Mixed mania is a state where someone with bipolar disorder experiences depression and mania simultaneously or alternating rapidly between the two. It can occur between a manic and depressive episode. During mixed mania, one may feel useful but worthless at the same time or switch between those feelings hourly. While traditionally associated with bipolar I, the latest diagnostic standards specify mixed mania can occur in any type of bipolar disorder. Around 20-70% of people with bipolar disorder experience mixed episodes, especially those whose disorder began in adolescence.
2. Why have I made this powerpoint?
• Bipolar disorder is often seen on TV and in
film (Homeland, Black Box, Silver Linings
Playbook etc) but mixed mania is rarely shown
and therefore, I feel that it isn’t understood (Well,
bipolar disorder and mental illness as a whole isn’t really understood but I can’t combat this in one
powerpoint unfortunately)
• So yeah, I’m just trying to raise awareness
3. What is mixed mania?
• Mixed mania (also known as dysphoric mania,
agitated depression, or a mixed episode) is
when someone with bipolar disorder is
depressed and manic at the same time or
alternates between the two very quickly
• Often, it occurs between a manic and a
depressive episode
4. Depressed and manic at the same
time???
• It seems impossible but because mixed manic
episodes are a form of mental illness, they
defy any predictable pattern of feelings or
behavior.
• Basically, it’s like you have all these amazing
ideas of how you are going to save the world
and that you are invincible but at the same
time you feel useless and unwanted. (not fun)
5. But what if it alternates?
• Sometimes in a mixed episode, you can feel
manic, then depressed an hour later. (and vice
versa)
• This can be very confusing and disorientating
because it’s like a mood swing but very very very
very very extreme.
• E.g. you go from feeling amazing, that you could
rule the world and believing that you are the
savior…
• …to not enjoying anything, with no energy and
constantly crying.
6. Who Gets Mixed Mania?
• Technically, mixed episodes are described only in people with bipolar I disorder (not bipolar II
disorder), although this distinction is expected to change as the psychiatric diagnostic classification
system is currently being revised.
• But in reality, anyone with bipolar can get mixed mania
UPDATE
• I’ve just read the DSM-5 (latest) and the new specifier
"with mixed features" can be applied to any type of
Bipolar disorder.
• I.e “with mixed features” = Mixed Mania
Source:
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/803884_12
7. Who Gets Mixed Mania?
• Mixed episodes are common in people with
bipolar I disorder. Estimates vary widely, but
between 20% and 70% of people with bipolar
disorder experience mixed episodes.
• Those who develop bipolar disorder at a
younger age, particularly in adolescence, may
be more likely to have mixed episodes.
8. In Summary
• Mixed mania is a part of bipolar disorder
• You either feel manic and depressed at the same
time or you're alternating between the two
rapidly
• Anyone with bipolar disorder can have it…
• …but not everyone with bipolar disorder gets
mixed episodes
Thank you for reading!
