Bipolar Disorder Symptoms Bipolar Disorder Episodes According to the DSM-V By Marcia Purse Updated August 12, 2017 Share Pin Email Print Eric Raptosh Photography/Blend Images/Getty Images More in Bipolar Disorder Symptoms Mania and Hypomania Depression Diagnosis Treatment Social Security Disability Wherever you see something written about bipolar disorder, the term episode is usually encountered. An episode refers to a collection of symptoms that describe a person's overall mood and behavior. Let's take a closer look at episodes in bipolar disorder, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fifth Edition (DSM-V). What Is a Manic Episode?During a manic episode, a person has a sustained and abnormally elevated, expansive, or irritable mood for at least one week, and at least three of the following symptoms:Grandiosity or an inflated sense of selfLittle need for sleepFeeling pressured to speak, talking loudly and rapidlyEasily distractedEngaging in multiple tasks at one time — more than can be realistically accomplished in one dayEngaging in risky behavior like gambling or unprotected sexRacing thoughts These symptoms are exaggerated and noted by family members and loved ones. They impair a person's ability to function at home, school, and/or work. What Is a Hypomanic Episode?During a hypomanic episode, the symptoms of mania only need to last four days in a row. The symptoms do not impair everyday functioning like they do in a manic episode, and they are not severe enough to necessitate hospitalization. What Is a Major Depressive Episode?A major depressive episode must last at least two weeks and is characterized by either a severe sadness or feeling of hopelessness and/or a loss of interest or pleasure in activities that the person once enjoyed. Other symptoms that may occur in a major depressive episode include: Feeling guiltySleeping problems, like too much or too littleFeeling agitated or alternatively, feeling slowed downEating more or lessFatigue and loss of energyDifficulty concentratingThinking of death or suicideWhat Is a Mixed Episode?In the DSM-5, the term mixed episode was changed to mixed features. Mixed features mean that a person may either be experiencing a manic episode with at least symptoms of depression or on the contrary, a major depressive episode with at least three symptoms of mania.Basically, a person is having both symptoms of mania and depression at the same time. If a person if simultaneously having both a manic and depressive episode, the diagnosis is technically categorized as "manic episode with mixed features."People with depression and mixed features are at a particularly high risk for developing substance abuse disorders.What to Do If You Experience a Bipolar EpisodeRemember a bipolar episode is a distinct period of time when specific symptoms are present that, taken together, classify a person's mood as manic, hypomanic, or depressive.If you are concerned you are experiencing symptoms of a bipolar episode, please seek care from a mental health professional. SourcesAmerican Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5). American Psychiatric Association. Help with Bipolar Disorders: What is a mixed episode? Retrieved November 1st, 2015. American Psychiatric Association. What are Bipolar Disorders? Retrieved November 1st, 2015. Hu J, Mansur R, & McIntyre RS. Mixed Specifier for Bipolar Mania and Depression: Highlights of DSM-5 Changes and Implications for Diagnosis and Treatment in Primary Care. Prim Care Companion CNS Disord. 2014;16(2): Pcc. 13r01599 Continue Reading