Depressive Episodes

• Persistently low or empty mood A pervasive sadness or emotional numbness lasting at least two weeks that colors nearly every part of the day.
• Loss of interest or pleasure Activities that were once enjoyable feel meaningless or require enormous effort to initiate.
• Fatigue and psychomotor changes Profound tiredness, slowed thinking, and either physical agitation or sluggishness that others can observe.
• Cognitive difficulties Trouble concentrating, indecisiveness, and impaired memory are common during depressive episodes.
• Thoughts of death or suicide Recurrent thoughts of dying, suicidal ideation, or suicide attempts may occur and require immediate professional attention.

Manic Episodes

• Elevated or irritable mood An abnormally expansive, euphoric, or agitated emotional state lasting at least one week (or any duration if hospitalization is needed).
• Decreased need for sleep Feeling rested after only a few hours of sleep, or going days without sleeping while maintaining high energy.
• Grandiosity and inflated self-esteem An exaggerated sense of confidence, special abilities, or importance that is out of proportion to reality.
• Impulsive, high-risk behavior Reckless spending, risky sexual behavior, substance misuse, or impulsive major life decisions made without considering consequences.
• Racing thoughts and pressured speech Ideas come so fast they overlap; speech becomes rapid, loud, and difficult to interrupt.

Treatment Approaches

Common Misconceptions