Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder where the patient has periods of depression and mania; however, some patients do not have clear-cut moods. The Mayo Clinic states that "in mixed state bipolar disorder, symptoms of both mania and depression occur at the same time." According to the HelpGuide website, a patient diagnosed with bipolar I disorder can have mixed episodes instead of mania episodes. Because both mood symptoms occur simultaneously, it creates additional mental health problems for the patient.
Depression Signs
The depression signs that a patient with mixed state bipolar disorder has results in a low mood and continuous sadness, according to the Mayo Clinic. The patient can feel hopeless and guilty for past events, even if she has nothing to feel guilty about. Appetite problems can also occur, either a decreased appetite or an increased appetite; this can correlate to weight gain or loss. The patient may withdraw from people around her and no longer want to participate in daily activities. Chronic pain without an apparent cause is also another depression sign of mixed state bipolar disorder. Other signs include fatigue and problems concentrating.
Mania Signs
The second part of the mixed state bipolar disorder is mania, which is an elevated mood. With mania, the patient is prone to agitation and irritability. Racing thoughts also occur, where the patient moves from one idea to another without a pause; this is also reflected when the patient speaks (rapid speech). Other signs of mania during mixed state bipolar disorder are distractibility, insomnia and anxiety.
Combination Risks
HelpGuide notes that because a patient with mixed state bipolar disorder experiences high energy and a low mood at the same time, it puts her at risk for other mental health problems. The largest risk is suicide, either suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts; this risk is attributed to the patient feeling constantly sad and helpless, but with enough energy to attempt suicide.
