What is a Bipolar Mood Chart?

A bipolar mood chart is a method of tracking the mood state and the factors that may affect mood in patients that have bipolar disorder, also known as bipolar depression or manic depression. The chart, which has several variations, is usually filled out daily over a period of time, and shared and discussed with the patient's doctor or therapist. By tracking mood state and sleep patterns, medication use, and factors, patients can learn to identify and possibly avoid potential problems. Bipolar mood charts are usually used together with medication and therapy in the treatment and management of bipolar disorder.

There are many different versions of the bipolar mood chart available. There are several standardized printed charts that may be provided by a patient's doctor. Occasionally drug manufacturers make charts available along with medications targeted for bipolar disorder. There are printable versions that can be downloaded from the Internet as well as versions that can be filled out online. Additionally, a bipolar mood chart can be custom designed by the patient along with the treating physician if desired.

Once it has been filled out for several weeks or months, the chart can be reviewed by a patient with the doctor or therapist. This can enable a patient to learn to identify patterns in his or her mood state. The accompanying information can help in pinpointing specific triggers, such as lack of sleep, so that the patient can take some control over a disorder. Some patients also find it helpful to share their charts with loved ones or in group therapy settings.

Although the different versions may vary in the details, the bipolar mood chart usually includes specific basic information. Each page usually has space for recording one month's worth of information, with space for the patient's name and date of birth on each page. For each day there is space to record the date and sometimes the time of day that the chart was filled out. The patient also records his or her daily mood using a numerical scale or ratings such as elevated or manic, within normal limits, or depressed. Sometimes the mood is recorded on a graph to give an easy-to-understand visual representation of the mood cycles and patterns.

Other pertinent information can be recorded on the bipolar mood chart. This includes any treatments or medications received by the patient each day, as well as sleep patterns and levels of anxiety or irritability. Other information that may affect mood is also often recorded such as the menstrual cycle for women, weight fluctuations, and daily life events. There is also often a notes area that can be used to enter any other information the patient thinks may be significant.