Bipolar Disorder
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Bipolar I Disorder
   
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Bipolar disorder, often called manic-depression, is one of those conditions that slink around the edges of the public consciousness. You saw something about it on Law and Order or something. You know you' ve heard of it and you think you know something about it but you' re not quite sure exactly what it is and what it isn' t.
First of all, there are several conditions that fit into the bipolar family. The most severe is bipolar I disorder. Never heard of it? Here are some facts - just in case it turns up on Jeopardy.
Bipolar I disorder
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Like all forms of bipolar disorder, bipolar I disorder 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.In our quest to get that "perfect" body, we actually tend to lose our focus on the real things that should matter to us, such as our health and well-being. Thus, we end up not only neglecting our .....
The most extreme highs and lows are found in bipolar I disorder. Psychotic episodes are only found in the bipolar I disorder form of the disease and are not uncommon. This form of the disease can be a serious impairment in day-to-day living.
Mania
While other forms of bipolar disorder cause mild mood swings, bipolar I disorder 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:
1. 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.
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3. Racing thoughts
4. Pressured speech: speaking rapidly, nearly nonstop, it can be loud and difficult to interrupt. The patient is attempting to express his racing thoughts.
5. Distractibility
6. Engaging in risky behavior
7. Excess energy
When a manic episode requires hospitalization, it is an indication that the patient is suffering from bipolar I disorder.
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:
1. Decreased energy
2. Severe withdrawal from normal activities
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4. Despair
5. Irritability
6. Uncontrollable crying
7. 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.