Bipolar II and Bipolar Spectrum Disorder Table 2. A proposed definition of bipolar spectrum disorder

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Bipolar II and bipolar spectrum disorder
Table 2. A proposed definition of bipolar spectrum disorder
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A. At least one major depressive episode

B. No spontaneous hypomanic or manic episodes

C. Either of the following, plus at least 2 items from criterion D, or both of the following plus 1 item from criterion D:
1. A family history of bipolar disorder in a first-degree relative
2. Antidepressant-induced mania or hypomania

D. If no items from criterion C are present, 6 of the following 9 criteria are needed:
1. Hyperthymic personality (at baseline, nondepressed state)
2. Recurrent major depressive episodes (> 3)
3. Brief major depressive episodes (on average, < 3 months)
4. Atypical depressive symptoms (DSM-IV criteria)
5. Psychotic major depressive episodes
6. Early age of onset of major depressive episode (< age 25)
7. Postpartum depression
8. Antidepressant "wear-off" (acute but not prophylactic response)
9. Lack of response to 3 antidepressant treatment trials

The relation of these clues to bipolarity is well documented in the literature.

Bipolar II and the Bipolar Spectrum
What is hypomania?

Update:
An upcoming "Diagnosis Guidelines" will be published by the International Society for Bipolar Disorders. This publication is being prepared to reduce "the diagnostic chaos around bipolar disorder," and to serve as an "update" in the interim preceding the DSM V.
A group of 25 mood experts from around the world, chaired by Nassir Ghaemi, an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Emory University and director of the Bipolar Disorder Research Program, will develop the publication. Psychiatrist Jim Phelps, an authority on the bipolar spectrum, will head that subgroup..

Page updated October 1, 2008