Bipolar Disorder and Mixed States: Further Resources
If your family member lives with bipolar disorder I, you may know that they can experience episodes of mania and episodes of depression. Did you know that they can also experience mixed states (also known as “mixed features” or a “mixed episode”)? A mixed state is when a person living with bipolar disorder experiences symptoms of mania and depression at the same time or in quick succession (one after another).
Mixed states of bipolar disorder
People who experience mixed states face specific challenges. In a 2017 article about mixed features in bipolar disorder, researchers from the University of Barcelona wrote:
“Mixed affective states, defined as the coexistence of depressive and manic symptoms, are complex presentations of manic-depressive illness that represent a challenge for clinicians at the diagnosis, classification, and pharmacological treatment levels. Compared to patients with bipolar disorder (BD) who have pure manic/hypomanic or depressive episodes, the presence of mixed-mood states in patients with BD is associated with a different set of clinical features—such as an earlier age at onset, increased frequency of psychotic symptoms, major risk of suicide, higher rates of comorbidities, longer time to achieve remission, and consequently a more severe course and prognosis of the disease.”
It is important for caregivers to learn how to recognize these states in their loved ones. Additionally, caregivers can support their family members living with bipolar disorder by advocating for their treatment preferences.
Further resources
If you want to learn more about bipolar disorder and how to get support, check out our list of resources below.
- Listen to Eric Youngstrom, PhD, explain mixed states in this clip from our 2015 webinar on bipolar disorder in adults.
- Watch Kaely describe what a mixed state feels like to her.
- Watch Kaely’s mom, Maggie, describe what Kaely’s mixed states look like from the perspective of a caregiver.
- Learn about overcoming the challenges associated with bipolar disorder as a family through our webinar, Bipolar Disorder: Beyond the Basics.
- Does bipolar disorder have a “cure?” Read this blog article.
- Find a support group by visiting the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance’s website.