Depression is becoming increasingly prevalent these days! Stay alert to mood fluctuations in your family members and yourself to maintain good health.

In this chapter, we move on to another class of disorders—bipolar disorder—and its clinical diagnostic standards.

Bipolar disorder is diagnosed based on five main criteria. If an individual consistently exhibits these symptoms for a week, they should undergo clinical assessment. Cases with shorter durations are considered manic mood swings rather than a disorder. Such cases are not classified under depression and do not require full assessment.

The Five Main Criteria:

1. Mood Changes
   Patients with bipolar disorder often exhibit inflated self-esteem or grandiosity. Dr. Li recalls a patient who, when asked by hospital staff to take her meal, declared herself the First Lady, insisting she would only respond if the staff formally lined up to show their respect. This is a typical example of an inflated ego, where the patient sees themselves as superior in every way......

Discussion Questions:

1. What is the difference between manic episodes and depression?
2. Identify the five major symptoms of mania.
3. Who is best qualified to carry out a diagnostic assessment for bipolar disorder?
4. Have you encountered individuals experiencing manic episodes? How can we help them?