Well when you put it THAT way...

Of course it sounds like a disease. But Phase Three and Phase Four are such extreme cases that it seems silly to even include them. Then again, some diseases do have extreme cases, so…

(I’m reading this from Delirium, mind you. Not writing this up on my own.)

Phase One:
*preoccupation, difficulty focusing
*dry mouth
*perspiration, sweaty palms
*fits of dizziness and disorientation
*reduced mental awareness; racing thoughts, impaired reasoning skills

Phase Two:
*periods of euphoria; hysterical laughter and heightened energy
*periods of despair, lethargy
*changes in appetite; rapid weight loss or weight gain
*fixation; loss of other interests
*compromised reasoning skills; distortion of reality
*disruption of sleep patterns; insomnia or constant fatigue
*obsessive thoughts and actions
*paranoia; insecurity

Phase Three (Critical):
*difficulty breathing
*pain in the chest, throat, or stomach
*difficulty swallowing; refusal to eat
*complete breakdown of rational faculties; erratic behavior; violent thoughts and *fantasies; hallucinations and delusions

Phase Four (Fatal):
*emotional or physical paralysis (partial or not)
*death