Mixed state (psychiatry)
From ArticleWorld
A mixed state describes a mental state where the symptoms of mania and depression occur simultaneously. These two mood disorders are usually considered opposites, or opposing extremes on a mood continuum, and occur as separate mood swings in bipolar disorders. In a mixed state, however, they occur at the same time by the feeling of tearfulness, perhaps, in an otherwise manic, high energy state or the racing thoughts characteristic of mania present in one who is otherwise going through depression.
In those who suffer mood disorders, a mixed state can be a time when substance abuse increases and there are more attempts at suicide. Treatment for the condition is a combination of medication and psychotherapy. Medication is prescribed first and then when the symptoms have stabilized, psychotherapy aims at changing behavior and cognition. In extreme cases of mixed states, when the previous treatments have proved ineffective or a quicker course of action is required because of fears the patient may suicide, electoconvulsive therapy may be used.
Two types
Mixed states can be divided into two types-
- Dysphoric mania is the occurrence of depressive symptoms in a manic episode. The most common manifestation of this disorder is hyperactivity combined with a level of anger but some other symptoms include confusion, insomnia and ‘hearing things’. Alcohol or drug abuse or some antidepressant drugs may cause dysphoric mania.
- Depressive mixed state, or agitated depression, is the occurrence of a major depressive episode with hypomania. A major depressive episode is feeling of melancholy that lasts for over two weeks and is of a severity that social functioning is impaired. Hypomania is a milder form of mania in that the symptoms are more controllable.