Guide to Bipolar Mixed Episode. Understanding Bipolar Mixed Episode Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments.

What Is a Mixed Episode Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a complex mental health issue that affects about 2.8% of adults in the U.S. It makes people go through ups and downs that can last for days or weeks. We’ll look into its symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and ways to treat it, including a tricky part called bipolar mixed episodes.

Bipolar Mixed Episode Overview

Bipolar Mixed Episodes differ from the usual highs and lows in bipolar disorder. They bring mixed emotions, like:

• Feeling happy and sad simultaneously
• Restless and tired
• Hopeful and hopeless

We’ll talk about the symptoms of these episodes, which include:

• Rapid mood swings
• Agitation
• Trouble focusing
• Sleep problems
• Self-harm

It’s important to spot these signs and get help, especially if thoughts of self-harm come up.

Researchers and experts are still figuring out what causes these mixed episodes. They think things like genetics, imbalances in the brain, and life stress could be part of it.

We’ll also explore the treatments available for people with Mixed Bipolar Disorder, which can be a bit complex. It often involves a mix of medications and therapy to help manage these episodes.

Who Gets Bipolar With Mixed Features?

Bipolar disorder can affect almost anyone, with about 2.5% of the U.S. population, which is nearly 6 million people, experiencing it in some form. Mixed episodes are common in bipolar disorder, happening when people with this condition show both high and low mood symptoms together, with half or more experiencing manic symptoms during a full depressive episode.

Those who develop bipolar disorder in their teenage years may be more likely to have mixed episodes. Some people with severe depression but not full-blown mania might show mild manic symptoms. This isn’t always enough for a bipolar disorder diagnosis and is sometimes called “mixed depression.”

What Are The Bipolar Mixed Episode Symptoms?

Symptoms of a bipolar mixed episode can be particularly distressing and challenging to manage. This specific state involves the simultaneous presence of features from both the manic and depressive phases of bipolar disorder.

A mixed episode can be dangerous as the combination of depressive thoughts and increased energy from mania can lead to impulsive and harmful actions. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of a bipolar mixed episode or having thoughts of self-harm or suicide, seek immediate professional help or contact a mental health helpline.

The symptoms may vary from person to person, but common signs of a bipolar mixed episode include:

• Intense Mood Swings: Rapid and unpredictable shifts between elevated and depressed moods, often experienced within a short period.
• Agitation: Restlessness, irritability, and a feeling of being on edge.
• Depressed Mood: Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness.
• Increased Energy: Heightened energy levels can lead to impulsive and reckless behaviors.
• Insomnia or Sleep Disturbances: Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, coupled with a sense of restlessness.
• Racing Thoughts: A flood of racing thoughts and an inability to concentrate on one task.
• Poor Judgment: Engaging in risky behaviors without considering the consequences.
• Psychomotor Agitation or Retardation: Physical restlessness or slowed movements.
• Loss of Interest: Diminished interest in previously enjoyable activities or hobbies.
• Fatigue: Feeling physically and mentally exhausted despite increased energy levels.
• Feelings of Guilt or Worthlessness: Negative self-perception and unwarranted guilt.
• Suicidal Thoughts: In severe cases, individuals may experience thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

Take the free online Bipolar test. Get a head start on your condition today.

Learn More:

• Is Bipolar a Personality Disorder? BPD vs. Bipolar
• 4 Common Bipolar Symptoms in Men, Signs, Tips, & Treatment
• Bipolar Disorder Medication, 8 Side Effects, and Effective Treatment
• Bipolar Schizophrenia, What’s the Difference? Bipolar vs. Schizophrenia Symptoms and Signs.
• Understanding How a Bipolar Person Thinks. What Does Bipolar Feel Like? Signs and Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
• Understanding Bipolar Psychosis. Bipolar with Psychosis Symptoms, Cause, and Treatment.
• Bipolar Disorder Therapies. Different Types of Effective Therapy for Bipolar Disorder
• ADHD and Bipolar Symptoms and Signs. Differences Between ADHD vs Bipolar in Adults vs Children, Diagnosis & Treatment.
• Understanding Rapid Cycling Bipolar Disorder. Symptoms, and Effective Treatments.
• Bipolar Symptoms In Women. Signs, Symptoms and Tips

2.4%

The global prevalence of bipolar disorder

Source: CDC

3:1

BPD is more commonly diagnosed in females

Source: NIH

Mixed episodes in bipolar disorder, also called “mixed states,” are not entirely understood, but research is ongoing. Some factors that might contribute to these challenging phases include:

• Neurobiological Factors: Imbalances in brain chemicals like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine are linked to mood regulation. When these imbalances happen simultaneously, they can lead to mixed episodes with conflicting moods.
• Genetic Predisposition: Bipolar disorder often runs in families, suggesting a genetic role. If your family has a history of bipolar disorder, you might have a higher risk of mixed episodes. But genes alone don’t determine it; other factors are involved.
• Stressful Life Events: Stress, like big life changes or trauma, can trigger mixed episodes by disrupting mood regulation and coping.
• Medication and Substance Use: Certain drugs, like antidepressants or stimulants, can cause mixed episodes in some people with bipolar disorder. Substance abuse, especially stimulants or hallucinogens, can also induce varied symptoms.
• Comorbid Conditions: Other mental health issues, like anxiety or personality disorders, can make you more prone to mixed episodes. These conditions, combined with bipolar disorder, can make mood control more complicated.

Bipolar 1 mixed episode is a specific phase within the context of Bipolar 1 Disorder, a subtype of bipolar disorder. Bipolar 1 Disorder is characterized by manic episodes that may be followed by depressive episodes or periods of relative stability. During a mixed episode of Bipolar 1 Disorder, individuals experience symptoms of both mania and depression simultaneously. This combination can create a highly intense and challenging emotional state.

During a Bipolar 1 mixed episode, individuals may exhibit the following symptoms:

• Manic Symptoms: Energetic, euphoric, or irritable mood, along with increased energy levels. They may engage in impulsive and high-risk behaviors. Grandiose or inflated self-esteem and racing thoughts are common during this phase.
• Depressive Symptoms: Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or worthlessness. Changes in appetite, weight, or sleep patterns may occur. Fatigue and loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities are also prevalent.
• Rapid Mood Swings: Individuals may experience quick and intense shifts between manic and depressive states, leading to emotional volatility.
• Agitation and Restlessness: Feelings of restlessness and agitation can exacerbate mood fluctuations.
• Impulsive and Reckless Behavior: Combining manic and depressive symptoms may lead to sudden and high-risk decisions.

Bipolar 2 mixed episode is a specific phase within the context of Bipolar 2 Disorder, a subtype of bipolar disorder. Recurrent depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes characterize bipolar 2 Disorder but not full-blown manic episodes seen in Bipolar 1 Disorder. However, during a mixed episode of Bipolar 2 Disorder, individuals experience symptoms of both depression and hypomania simultaneously. This combination can be pretty distressing and challenging to manage.

During a Bipolar 2 mixed episode, individuals may exhibit the following symptoms: