Mixed Episodes, Rapid Cycling, and Irritability

Criteria for Mixed Episode as described in the DSM-IV TR:

A. The criteria are met for a Manic Episode and for a Major Depressive Episode nearly every day during at least a 1-week period.

B. The mood disturbance is sufficiently severe to cause marked impairment in occupational functioning or in usual social activities or relationships with others, or to necessitate hospitalization to prevent harm to self or others, or there are psychotic features.

C.  The symptoms are not due to the direct physiological effects of a substance or a general medical condition.

Criteria that has been met by me the past week:

Manic Episode symptoms:

a distinct period of abnormally and persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood

more talkative than usual 

flight of ideas, or subjective experience that thoughts are racing

distractibility

Depressive symptoms:

depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day, as indicated by either subjective report (feeling sad or empty) or observation made by others (my mother in law)

markedly diminished interest or pleasure in all, or almost all, activities most of the day

weight gain or increase in appetite nearly every day.

hypersomnia

fatigue or loss of energy

feelings of inappropriate guilt (delusional)

diminished ability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness