Quick Symptom Definitions: Mania, OCD, Depression

Mania only exists in bipolar disorder. It's a chemically elevated mood that can be euphoric (happy, creative and sometimes delusional!) or dysphoric /mixed (agitated, depressed and uncomfortable.) Mania is often more difficult to treat than depression.

OCD: A form of anxiety characterized by obsessive thoughts that are seemingly calmed by compulsive behavior- only to show up again! OCD can be treated with antidepressants, but behavioral therapy has the most success.

Bipolar Depression: The downswing of bipolar disorder that is almost always complicated by the presence of other symptoms such as anxiety. It can be present with mania in a dysphoric/mixed episode. It's not advisable to use antidepressants for bipolar depression as they can cause mania. Bipolar depression is much more difficult to treat than unipolar depression.

Bipolar disorder is complicated.  It's important to know all of its symptoms.

Julie

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