Bipolar I Disorder

There are several conditions that fit into the bipolar family. The most severe is Bipolar I Disorder.

  Like all forms of bipolar disorder, bipolar I is marked by mood swings between extreme highs and lows. It is one of most severe forms of mental illness, is caused by a specific chemical imbalance, and affects all ethnic groups equally. The greatest danger of the disease is suicide.

  The most extreme highs and lows are found in bipolar I disorder. Psychotic episodes are only found in the bipolar I form of the disease and are not uncommon. This form of the disease can be a serious impairment in day-to-day living.

  While other forms of bipolar cause mild mood swings, Bipolar I, unlike Bipolar II is known for major manic episodes. If the patient becomes delusional during one of these episodes and even has hallucinations, the diagnosis becomes Bipolar I with psychotic features.

Other symptoms and characteristics of mania include:

• Grandiosity: the feeling of superiority experienced during manic episodes, sometimes accompanied by religious overtones or the feeling that the patient has to do everything himself to have it done correctly.
• A decreased need for sleep
• Racing thoughts
• Pressured speech: speaking rapidly, nearly non-stop, it can be loud and difficult to interrupt. The patient is attempting to express his racing thoughts.
• Distractibility.
• Excess energy

  When a manic episode requires hospitalization, it is an indication that the patient is suffering from Bipolar I. Depression.

  In Bipolar I Disorder, depressive episodes last for months. The median time is 6 months. Psychotic episodes can occur during depression as well as during manic episodes.
Symptoms and characteristics of major depression include:

• Decreased energy
• Severe withdrawal from normal activities
• Weight loss or gain
• Despair
• Irritability
• Uncontrollable crying
• Thoughts of or attempts at suicide

  This is the state, of course, that can result in suicide. In fact, if bipolar I disorder is left untreated, there is a 15% risk of death by suicide. It is the third leading cause of death among people aged 15-24 year of age.

  Unfortunately, there are no clinical diagnostic tools for bipolar I disorder. Only a good questionnaire and truthful answers can help a therapist arrive at the correct diagnosis and treatment. In the treatment of bipolar I disorder, knowledge is the first line of defense.