Bipolar I Disorder: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment Options
40 million people live with bipolar disorder worldwide—that’s enough people to fill over 650 NFL stadiums. Yet, surprisingly few people know that bipolar disorder is made up of two separate conditions: bipolar I disorder and bipolar II disorder. Go ahead—ask your friends and family.
So, what is bipolar I disorder? Bipolar I disorder is a mental health condition, much like bipolar II disorder. The key difference between the two is the presence of manic episodes, which are periods of elevated mood.
People with bipolar I experience at least one manic episode, and some may experience depressive or hypomanic episodes, too. Whereas bipolar II disorder involves depressive episodes and less severe hypomanic episodes, but not mania.
Bipolar I disorder can cause extreme shifts in your mood and energy levels, making it difficult to perform your best at work or maintain healthy relationships. Fortunately, treatment is available. At Mission Connection Healthcare, we provide caring, compassionate treatment for bipolar 1 disorder and other mental health conditions.
Signs and Symptoms of Bipolar I Disorder
Bipolar I involves periods of elevated or impulsive mood, which is called a manic episode. Bipolar mania symptoms are as follows:
- Heightened happiness, excitement, euphoria, or irritability
- Feeling more energetic and active
- Reduced need for sleep
- Experiencing a “flight of ideas,” which often presents as talking rapidly about multiple topics
- Racing thoughts
- Being highly productive without getting tired
- Feeling as if you’re extremely important or in possession of great power or authority
- Over-indulging in pleasurable activities, such as eating or sex
These symptoms must be present to receive a diagnosis of bipolar I disorder. In some cases, people with bipolar I disorder may also experience depressive episodes, which involve the following symptoms:
- Experiencing a low mood, which involves feeling sad or down
- Losing interest in usual activities
- Struggling with concentration and decision-making
- Eating more or less than usual, or gaining or losing a significant amount of weight
- Experiencing sleep troubles, which may show up as sleeping more or less than usual
- Feeling extremely tired or lethargic
- Moving more slowly than usual, or feeling restless
- Feeling worthless or guilty
- Experiencing repeated thoughts of suicide, or making suicide plans or attempts
Some people with bipolar I disorder will only experience manic episodes; however, it’s common to also experience depressive episodes with the condition.
Hypomanic episodes are also a potential symptom of bipolar I. The main difference between a manic vs. a hypomanic episode is that hypomanic episodes are less severe and don’t last as long.
A manic episode typically lasts at least one week and may involve psychosis, in which a person loses touch with reality. A person may need to be hospitalized for safety during a manic episode.
A hypomanic episode, on the other hand, must last at least four days, and it does not disrupt functioning the same way a manic episode does. For instance, a person in a hypomanic episode is able to go to work or school as usual, and they don’t need to be hospitalized for their safety.
Bipolar I vs. Bipolar II Disorder: Key Differences
When comparing bipolar I and bipolar II, the main differences lie in the severity of symptoms. Manic episodes are more severe than hypomanic episodes. A person with bipolar I disorder experiences at least one manic episode, which may require hospitalization.
On the other hand, a person with bipolar II disorder will experience at least one hypomanic episode and one depressive episode. In bipolar II disorder, people often seek treatment for depression, which can be intense. Yet, the hypomanic episodes themselves may feel pleasurable because of the elevated mood and better productivity that often comes with them.
Why Do the Differences Between Bipolar I and II Matter?
Understanding the differences between bipolar I and bipolar II is important in more ways than one. Firstly, there are common misconceptions about bipolar disorders, which can interfere with understanding. For example, Some people believe that bipolar disorder simply involves mood swings, which dismisses many people with bipolar I or II’s actual experiences.
The shifts in mood that occur with bipolar I and II disorder are much more extreme than day-to-day mood swings. Sometimes, they require hospitalization. What’s more, bipolar disorders can make it really difficult to go about your day-to-day life, causing ripples in relationships, work life, and self-care.
And secondly, knowing your diagnosis means you can get the right support for you. But more on this soon.
How Bipolar I Disorder is Diagnosed
Accurately diagnosing bipolar I disorder requires a comprehensive evaluation by a licensed mental health professional. If you identify with the symptoms of bipolar I disorder, it’s worth speaking to a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. These professionals are specifically trained in diagnosing mental health conditions, so they can assess your symptoms and let you know if you have a clinical diagnosis of bipolar disorder.
When you see a mental health professional, they will use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR) to make a diagnosis. This manual contains many mental health conditions, along with the behaviors and emotions a person needs to show to be clinically diagnosed.
A mental health professional will use the following DSM-5-TR guidelines when making a bipolar I disorder diagnosis:
- The presence of at least one manic episode, whether it occurs with or without depressive episodes
- Manic episode lasting at least seven days or requiring hospitalization
- Showing at least three symptoms consistent with mania (ie: reduced need for sleep, flight of ideas, and believing one is special or powerful)
When a mental health professional makes a bipolar disorder diagnosis, they may use clinical interview forms, which ask specific questions related to bipolar I disorder symptoms.
If you receive a bipolar I diagnosis, the next step is treatment. A mental health professional will be able to guide you toward the right treatment option for you. Then, it’s just a case of choosing an organization that suits you.
Treatment Options for Bipolar I Disorder
Bipolar I disorder can significantly interfere with your daily life, and it’s normal to wonder, “When will it end?” You’ll be pleased to know that there is treatment available to make your symptoms more manageable.
Managing bipolar I disorder typically involves a combination of approaches including talk therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. Let’s go through each of these, one by one.
Therapy for Bipolar I Disorder
Therapy involves sitting down with a mental health professional to discuss your experiences, thoughts, and feelings. You’ll also work through coping strategies, so you can learn to manage your bipolar I symptoms.
There are several different types of talk therapy, but three can be especially helpful for bipolar disorder:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Teaches clients to identify and manage thought patterns that contribute to mood episodes.
- Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT): Focuses on stabilizing daily routines like sleep, work, and social interactions to reduce mood swings.
- Family-Focused Therapy: Involves family members to improve communication, provide support, and address the impact of bipolar disorder on relationships.
Medication for Bipolar I Disorder
Various forms of therapy can be beneficial for treating bipolar disorder, but sometimes, medication can help to stabilize your mood. Like with therapy, there are different medication options available. A psychiatrist can help you find the best fit for your individual needs.
Common medications for bipolar I disorder include:
- Mood Stabilizers: Lithium, carbamazepine (Tegretol), and valproate (Depakote) for managing manic episodes and preventing relapses.
- Anticonvulsants: Lamotrigine, gabapentin, and topiramate to stabilize mood.
- Antipsychotics: Olanzapine, risperidone, or quetiapine for acute mania or as adjuncts to mood stabilizers.
- Antidepressants (used cautiously): Often combined with mood stabilizers to manage depressive episodes.
Bipolar I Outpatient and Telehealth Options
Other forms of bipolar disorder treatment are outpatient or telehealth options. Outpatient treatment occurs in a community setting and involves face-to-face, in-person services. One common form of outpatient treatment is an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). An IOP typically combines therapy with more practical sessions to help you learn skills and coping strategies.
But if you’re not into the whole in-person therapy thing, or you have a busy life that you don’t want to disrupt, telehealth can be extremely helpful. This option allows you to connect with a therapist from the comfort and privacy of your home.
Telehealth can also be helpful if you have accessibility issues, such as if you live in a remote area or you struggle to get transport to attend therapy in person.
Lifestyle Changes to Support Treatment
In addition to therapy and medication, making certain lifestyle changes can play an important role in managing bipolar I disorder.
Some important lifestyle changes that could help to manage your bipolar symptoms are:
- Stress Management: Techniques like mindfulness, meditation, or yoga can reduce triggers for mood episodes.
- Consistent Sleep Routine: Maintaining regular sleep patterns helps stabilize mood.
- Regular Exercise: Regular physical activity improves overall mental health and can be especially beneficial for reducing depression symptoms.
- Healthy Diet: Reduce substances like caffeine and alcohol, and focus on nutrient-rich foods.
Immediate Help for Bipolar I Disorder Management
Bipolar I disorder can have a big impact on your life, an impact that many who aren’t familiar with the condition can take for granted. If bipolar I disorder is causing difficulties in your life, or if you’re struggling to manage your symptoms, reach out for support.
Contact a mental health provider, like those of us at Mission Connection, to get started with treatment. We offer a 24/7 hotline, virtual consultations, and specialized treatment options. Get in touch with us today at 866-753-5791 and take the first step toward healing.
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