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My understanding is that 'mixed episodes' are a possible component of bipolar I, not bipolar II? Strictly speaking, I believe this is what the DSM states, but does anyone know of other sources that talk about mixed states in the context of bipolar II?
I know that I have had some 'depressive feelings' for lack of a better word (intrusive thoughts of sui/death, comes to mind) during hypo/manic episodes. My *feeling* and I'm not sure if and how research bears this out, is that no 'mood' of any kind is entirely *pure.* It just makes sense to me that when one is hypo/manic some other emotions might at some times come into play, and when one is depressed, some agitation, sleeplessness, etc. may come into play, but all within a not-mixed episode.
Even outside of bipolar episodes, I think those who are depressed or anxious may have other emotions/symptoms at the same time, it seems normal to me. I've occasionally checked out the anxiety forum and the depression forum and have seen that they experience a wide variety of symptoms.
In brief, I think it would be very difficult to distinguish between a 'mixed state' and a mood that simple isn't 100% 'pure.'
Again, strictly speaking (i.e. per DSM) a 'mixed episode' is fulfilling the criteria for both a depressive episode and a *manic* (not hypomanic) episode for at least a week. Everyone is different, but that's what 'they' say.
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