Bipolar I, also known as manic depression, is a relatively common psychological disorder. Bipolar disorder has three main types: Bipolar I, Bipolar II, and Bipolar III. The defining symptoms of bipolar disorder are episodes of depression and euphoria that cannot be explained by the persons 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.
A mixed episode is a combination of symptoms of mania and symptoms of depression. A mixed episode can cause the person to switch between feeling depressed and defeated and feeling euphoric and invincible. The unrest caused by the switching can be uncomfortable and frustrating.
While Bipolar II is characterized by episodes of depression, it is possible for a person with Bipolar I to have never experienced clinical depression. People with Bipolar II may experience milder forms of mania, called hypomania, but if they experience a manic episode or mixed episode, their diagnosis would be changed to Bipolar I.
Cognitive therapy and psychiatric medications are used to treat Bipolar I. Cognitive therapy is used to help the person and their family cope with the symptoms of the disorder. Mood-stabilizers, like Depakote, are medications that help prevent the highs and lows of bipolar disorder.
Bipolar disorder is a medical condition. The person with bipolar disorder cannot turn off the symptoms just like someone with diabetes cannot wish the condition away.
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 if the person is taking their medication and actively participating in therapy, there may be a relapse of symptoms. If the symptoms return or worsen, the person should notify their mental health professionals.
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.
A mixed episode is a combination of symptoms of mania and symptoms of depression. A mixed episode can cause the person to switch between feeling depressed and defeated and feeling euphoric and invincible. The unrest caused by the switching can be uncomfortable and frustrating.
While Bipolar II is characterized by episodes of depression, it is possible for a person with Bipolar I to have never experienced clinical depression. People with Bipolar II may experience milder forms of mania, called hypomania, but if they experience a manic episode or mixed episode, their diagnosis would be changed to Bipolar I.
Cognitive therapy and psychiatric medications are used to treat Bipolar I. Cognitive therapy is used to help the person and their family cope with the symptoms of the disorder. Mood-stabilizers, like Depakote, are medications that help prevent the highs and lows of bipolar disorder.
Bipolar disorder is a medical condition. The person with bipolar disorder cannot turn off the symptoms just like someone with diabetes cannot wish the condition away.
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 if the person is taking their medication and actively participating in therapy, there may be a relapse of symptoms. If the symptoms return or worsen, the person should notify their mental health professionals.
About the Author:
Sheila Wilson discusses the most common bipolar disorder symptoms and what are the implications of manic depression in children. Read on for more details.
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