What Is Bipolar I Disorder ?
Bipolar I Disorder is a type of bipolar disorder. It is an illness that can be severe and disabling, and affects about 1% of the population. People with Bipolar I Disorder experience intense emotional states called “mood episodes,” which are also called relapses or recurrences. More than 90% of people with Bipolar I Disorder experience these episodes repeatedly in their lifetimes. It’s the recurrence of mood episodes that characterizes Bipolar I Disorder .
Some symptoms of the different mood episodes that can occur are:
- Manic episode: irritability; high involvement in risky behavior; racing thoughts
- Depressive episode: extremely sad, hopeless, and despairing
- Mixed episode: Combination of manic and depressive symptoms
Bipolar I Disorder is distinguished by the occurrence of one or more manic episodes or mixed episodes. In addition, people with Bipolar I Disorder often experience one or more depressive episodes.
The symptoms may be extreme and go beyond typical mood changes that everyone experiences from time to time. These symptoms can negatively impact your everyday life.
The disorder usually develops in your late teens or early adult years. At least 50% of cases start before the age of 25. Bipolar I Disorder is not easily diagnosed, as the symptoms are often hard to recognize. This is because symptoms may overlap with other problems and people may not seek medical attention in a timely fashion. They may seem like basic problems when they are really part of a bigger problem.
Since Bipolar I Disorder is a lifelong illness that requires management throughout a person’s life, it is important to address its symptoms early.
