Mixed affective states are important phases in bipolar affective disorder. This paper describes the nature of these states and their importance, which is because of the increased risk of suicidal thoughts and actions. Stopping antidepressants, optimising treatment with mood stabilisers and adding an atypical antipsychotic to treatment is effective in treating mixed affective states, reducing suicidal ideation and actions.
Keywords: mixed affective state, mixed bipolar depression, dysphoric mania, antidepressants, mangement of mixed affective state, antipsychotics