Saturday, July 11, 2009

What Is Bipolar I Disorder?

By Sheila Wilson

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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