Rating Your Bipolar Mood

Bipolar Affective Disorder is a mental illness of mood (or affect). Normal individuals (those without the illness) are also affected by mood. When they have made an achievement, received a gift or are feeling particularly good their mood is higher, light and bubbly. If they fail an exam, are under some sort of stress, or angry they may feel depressed. These mood changes are significant at the time, but are short-lived and the person quickly returns to a normal mood balance.

In contrast, the mood swings of Bipolar Affective Disorder can be severe, long lasting and impair functioning. They range from the depths of depression so wrenching that life seems to be unbearably painful to mania of a euphoric proportion, often leading to self destruction or loss of touch with reality.

Sometimes there are patterns develop in the mood changes of a bipolar. He might become depressed every 3 months, or may rapid cycle every Spring. Keeping a daily mood chart helps the Bipolar and his doctor recognize patterns that have developed. Mood charts also provide a day to day indication of the severity of the moods.

It is important information for both you and your doctor to have.

I have provided a scale here. Print it out and start to rate your bipolar mood!

BIPOLAR MOOD SCALE

From Moodswing by Dr. Ronald Fieve

Use this scale to track your mood patterns. Keep a record or make a chart. Once you learn what your mood patterns are, you may be able to keep episodes from happening.

100...................Medical emergency. Wildly manic and psychotic; can't stop talking; incoherent, overactive, belligerant, or elated. Not sleeping at all. At times delusional; hallucinating. May be either violent or paranoid.

90....................Extreme elation so that patient can't rate self; in need of more medication and control. Completely uncooperative.

80....................Severe elation. Should be admitted, or if in hospital usually wants to sign out of ward. Sleeping very little. Hostile when crossed; loss of control. Needs medication.

70....................Moderate Elation. Overactivity and talkativeness; irritable and annoyed. Needs only four to six hours sleep. Socially inappropriate; wants to control. Outpatient treatment has been advised by doctors.

60....................Mildly elevated mood and many ideas for new projects; occasionally mildly obtrusive. If creative, the energy is highly useful. Hyperactive. Feels wonderful, on top of the world. Increased sexual drive; wants to spend money and travel. Treatment may be contraindicted or not needed.

MOOD IS WITHIN NORMAL RANGE (45-55)

40....................Mildly depressed mood, but noticeable lack of energy; chronic lack of optimism and pleasure. Feels slowed down. Treatment may not be desired, although it may be indicated. Decreased interest in sex. Decreased motivation.

Go To Page: 1 2