James Phelps

Nov 26, 2024 | psychiatrictimes.com | James Phelps

“Marissa” has a history of trauma and major depressive disorder (MDD). She reports feeling anxious and struggling with insomnia. Her partner gently notes that Marissa can be pretty angry sometimes. Marissa could have comorbid MDD and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or she could have a depressive mixed state (and perhaps PTSD as well). As described in the first essay in this 3-part series, Marissa’s symptoms alone will not differentiate these diagnoses.

Nov 19, 2024 | psychiatrictimes.com | James Phelps

The first of this trio of essays noted that research studies conducted after the 2013 DSM-5 found the following symptoms common in bipolar mixed states:Agitation, both psychic and physicalIrritabilityNonstop ideas and distractibilityAnxietyDecreased sleepThese have been dubbed “The 4 A’s”: anxiety, anger, agitation, and attention problems (plus extreme insomnia).

Nov 12, 2024 | psychiatrictimes.com | James Phelps

This first of 3 articles will demonstrate that bipolar mixed states are nearly impossible to differentiate from depression that is comorbid with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), or attention-deficit disorder (ADD). Parts 2 and 3 will present 4 ways of coping with uncertainty when faced with this difficult differential. The Mixed Features SpecifierIn 2013, the DSM-5 extended the bipolar spectrum all the way to “unipolar” (major depressive disorder, MDD).

Oct 22, 2024 | bphope.com | Natalia Lusinski |Seth Gillihan |James Phelps

Home>2024’s Must-Read Books on Bipolar DisorderWhen it comes to bipolar disorder, sometimes it may be difficult for loved ones to understand what the person is experiencing. While they often view it through the lens of caregiving, they may not grasp the individual’s personal perspective. That’s where these books come in.

Apr 17, 2024 | bphope.com | Robin Flanigan |James Phelps

Home>Bipolar Depression: Making Sense of Your Symptoms ViewsWhen he’s feeling low and the couch is the only place he wants to be, Jim B. might choose to work on his motorcycle or take a walk with his wife, children, or dogs. Distracting himself with tasks that require physical movement has been a critical tool for dealing with bipolar depression. “I can’t emphasize too much that it’s a difficult thing to do,” Jim says of resisting the pervasive lethargy, “but I can feel the mood lifting.