Bipolar Affective Disorder: A Case of Antidepressant-Induced Hypomania

TL;DR

A case study describes a patient with bipolar disorder triggered by antidepressants, highlighting the importance of proper diagnosis and management.

Contribution

This paper presents a clinical case of antidepressant-induced hypomania in bipolar disorder, emphasizing diagnostic accuracy.

Findings

The patient exhibited hypomanic symptoms like pressured speech and hyperactivity.

Diagnosis followed DSM-5 criteria after ruling out organic causes.

Prompt management was initiated based on the confirmed diagnosis.

Abstract

Bipolar affective disorder (BAD) is found among 1-3% of the world’s population and leads to a significant burden due to its chronicity. This report describes a case of antidepressant-induced BAD, presenting in the hypomanic phase. Diagnostic criteria in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) were used for the diagnosis, after having performed investigations and excluding organic causes. The patient presented with typical features of altered mood, pressured speech, hyperactivity, and irritability. He was diagnosed according to the criteria available and managed promptly.