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Bipolar disorder - Management
When should I suspect a depressive episode?
- Depression is suggested by feelings of persistent sadness or low mood, loss of interest or pleasure, and low energy.
- Associated symptoms of depression that may also be present include:
- Disturbed sleep.
- Poor concentration or indecisiveness.
- Low self-confidence.
- Poor or increased appetite.
- Agitation or slowing of movements.
- Guilt or self-blame.
- Suicidal thoughts or acts.
- Diagnosis of a depressive episode is identical to that for unipolar depression. For more information, see the section on Assessment and diagnosis in the CKS topic on Depression, and the section on Diagnosis in the CKS topic on Depression in children.
- The presence of coexistent hypomanic or manic symptoms may suggest the person is having a mixed episode.
Basis for recommendation
- These recommendations are based on the International statistical classification of diseases [WHO, 1992] and the Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders [DSM-IV, 1994].
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