depressive phase
depressive phase
A phase of bipolar disorder characterised by a prolonged period of inertia, loss of self-esteem, withdrawal, sadness and a risk of suicide.The manic phase is characterised by period of elation, hyperactivity, inflated self-esteem, distractability and insomnia; in either, there is often dependence on alcohol or substances of abuse.
Bipolar disorder appears between age 15 and 25; it affects men and women equally.