The comedy/tragedy masks of theatrical arts could be an appropriate symbol for bipolar syndrome. Also called manic depressive illness, the sufferer may experience extremes of highs and lows in cycles or "mixed moods" where some aspects of each mood are displayed. The malady is episodic with manic "up" moods lasting days at a time until a turn comes unaccountably and the person is depressed or "down" in mood for days at a time. The intensity of the moods can lead to dangerous behavior at both ends of the spectrum. When feeling up, a person may engage in risky behavior and feel impervious to any consequences of her actions. When feeling down, the person may feel so lost he could become suicidal. Periods of both manic and depressive moods that alternate must be present for the diagnosis to be applied.
Manic Mood
When in the up phase of bipolar syndrome, a person seems very energetic or even jumpy. She may talk very fast and skip from one topic to another. She may jump into different activities and engage in risky sex or spend money thoughtlessly. She may have trouble sleeping, seem agitated or irritable.
Depressive Mood
In the down phase of bipolar, the reverse of the happy, energetic person appears. Where anything was possible in the manic phase, nothing is worthwhile and all effort seems pointless when down and depressed. Lethargy, loss of interest in any activity, forgetfulness and difficulty in concentrating on anything replace the extreme activity and intensity of the manic phase. Guilt, anxiety and hopelessness may lead to thoughts of suicide.
Mixed Mood
Perhaps the most dangerous time for the bipolar person comes at the "changing of the guard" when mania changes to depression and back again. If the person has engaged in risky behavior, unguarded sex or a spending spree while manic, she may feel intensified guilt, fear, remorse and hopelessness when down and realizing what terrible things she has done. When extremely down, the bipolar person may not have enough energy to carry out a suicidal plan, but as she drifts back towards mania with increased energy but still feeling hopeless, she may carry out a plan to hurt herself.
References
- National Institute for Mental Health
- Mayo Clinic
- Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fourth Edition, 1994
