Bipolar I

An overview of Bipolar I disorder, its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

Bipolar I disorder is a type of bipolar disorder characterized by the occurrence of at least one manic episode. It is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression).

Symptoms

Bipolar I disorder involves periods of severe mood episodes from mania to depression. A manic episode is a distinct period of abnormally and persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood and increased activity or energy lasting at least one week and present most of the day, nearly every day.

Manic Episode

During a manic episode, individuals may experience:

• Inflated self-esteem or grandiosity
• Decreased need for sleep
• More talkative than usual or pressure to keep talking
• Flight of ideas or subjective experience that thoughts are racing
• Distractibility
• Increase in goal-directed activity or psychomotor agitation
• Excessive involvement in activities that have a high potential for painful consequences (e.g., unrestrained buying sprees, sexual indiscretions, foolish business investments)

Depressive Episode

A major depressive episode includes symptoms such as:

• Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day
• Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in all, or almost all, activities
• Significant weight loss when not dieting or weight gain
• Insomnia or hypersomnia
• Psychomotor agitation or retardation
• Fatigue or loss of energy
• Feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt
• Diminished ability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness
• Recurrent thoughts of death, recurrent suicidal ideation without a specific plan, or a suicide attempt

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of Bipolar I disorder is based on the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). A diagnosis requires at least one manic episode, which may have been preceded by and may be followed by hypomanic or major depressive episodes.

Treatment

Treatment for Bipolar I disorder often involves a combination of medications and psychotherapy.

Medications

• Mood stabilizers such as lithium
• Antipsychotic medications
• Antidepressants

Psychotherapy

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Psychoeducation
• Family therapy

Prognosis

With proper treatment, individuals with Bipolar I disorder can lead productive lives. However, the disorder is often chronic and requires ongoing management.

Also see

• Bipolar II disorder
• Cyclothymic disorder
• Major depressive disorder
• Schizoaffective disorder