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.
Severe episodes of mania can cause hallucinations and delusions. The content of the hallucinations and delusions from mania are related to the other symptoms of the disorder. For example, someone who is experiencing an inflated self-esteem may have a delusion of being chosen by God or aliens for their superiority.
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.
Relapses of Bipolar I do occur even with the best treatment. The individual with Bipolar I should seek help from their mental health professionals if symptoms return or the condition worsens.