What Is Bipolar I Disorder?
Bipolar I is a mental disorder that is also called manic depression. Bipolar I is one of three types of bipolar disorder. The main characteristics of bipolar disorder are episodes of depression and mania or euphoria that is not explained by the individuals situation.
To be diagnosed with bipolar I, the person must have experienced a manic or mixed episode. A manic episode causes symptoms of euphoria or irritability, difficulty concentrating, racing thoughts, insomnia, loss of judgment, impulsivity, and feelings of grandiosity or self-importance. People in manic episodes may talk more or faster than usual and may fidget.
Though they are not common symptoms of bipolar disorder, severe manic episodes can cause hallucinations and delusions. Hallucinations and delusions from mania reflect the feelings of grandiosity and self-importance caused by the mania. A person may have delusions of having superpowers or of being chosen by God.
Mixed episodes are combinations of mania and depression. A person may literally feel depressed, helpless, and hopeless one minute, and practically invincible the next. The switching between depressed and manic symptoms during a mixed episode may occur over minutes, hours, or days.
Bipolar I disorder differs from the other mood disorders by the presence of a manic or mixed episode. If a person who has clinical depression or Bipolar II disorder has a manic or mixed episode, the diagnosis should be changed to Bipolar I.
Mood stabilizers are a type of medication that is often used to treat bipolar disorder. Cognitive therapy is often an important component in the treatment of bipolar disorder. The symptoms can cause problems in the persons relationships, therefore, family therapy is often included in the treatment for bipolar disorder.
It is important for people to remember that the individual with bipolar disorder may have little or no control over the symptoms at times. Just like someone cannot snap out of having diabetes, neither can they turn off the symptoms of bipolar disorder.
People with Bipolar I disorder have different experiences. Even the same person may have very different experiences throughout their lifetime. Some people function very well with this disorder while others struggle day-to-day.
Even though the person cannot stop the symptoms of bipolar disorder, the person can learn to manage the condition. Unfortunately, even with proper treatment, the person may have a relapse of symptoms. At those times, the person should try to remain patient and seek help from their mental health professionals.
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Written by Sheila Wilson on December 8th, 2009 with
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