Dear Bobby

irritability is an alternative symtpom to euphoria in mania/hypomania, so it can be present to bipolar in general. there is a list of about 7-8 sx and you don't have to have all. you need to have to have 4ish (can't remember #) to meet criteria for mania/hypomania. but they have to be to an extent that interferes with functioning.

the last time i read the full criteria, an extra symptom was required if the mood was "only" irritable. i was always "irritated" by the "only."

i suppose they mean somewhat grumpy, whereas my original interpretation of "irritable" was "irascible" and dysphoric - i.e same energy level as euphoric so i could not understand why an "extra" symptom was needed... seemed worse to me.

waves

gee waves
am i thick. i read your post four times and am still confused. you mean it happens in both bipolar and bipolar II. I suffered from irritability most of my life besides anxiety. risperdal helped when i first started taking it but then after years the irritability is back and i thought it was a hallmark of bipolar II.
love
bobby

Bobby,

yes i mean it happens in both one and two. it doesn't have to happen, but it is a possible symptom in Bipolar Disorder, which can happen in mania or hypomania. (It can happen in depression also, and for reasons other than Bipolar Disorder, such as magnesium deficiency.)

there are no differences in the diagnostic criteria for a manic episode and for a hypomanic episode other than:

-- a hypomanic episode must last at least 3 (or 4 not sure) days, but LESS than a week,
-- a manic episode must last a week or more

Exception to the above:
-- If psychotic symptoms are present, an episode meeting criteria for hypomania is considered a manic episode regardless of duration.

love

waves