BIPOLAR AND SCHIZOAFFECTIVE DISORDERS
Bipolar Disorder and Schizoaffective Disorder may include periods of mania. Mania is a distinct period lasting one week or more of abnormally and persistent elevated, expansive or invincible mood. During this period, three or more of the following must be present: inflated self esteem, or grandiosity, decreased need for sleep, more talkative than usual or pressure to keep talking, ideas jumping from subject to subject, racing thoughts, increased distractibility, an increase in goal directed activity or agitation and excessive involvement in pleasurable activities that are highly risky. Other symptoms may include hyperactivity, poor judgment, aggressiveness and hostility. Sometimes individuals have a ‘mixed episode’ that includes both of the manic and depressive symptoms noted above. There are some people who may have psychotic symptoms as part of their illness. If psychotic symptoms occur only during an acute manic or depressive episode, the diagnosis is still likely to be Bipolar Disorder. If the psychotic symptoms persist even after the mood has been stabilized, the diagnosis is likely to be Schizoaffective Disorder. Psychotic symptoms include hallucinations, disorganization, paranoia, delusions (believing things that are not true), disordered or illogical thinking, trouble paying attention, or racing thoughts.