At any point in pfe, one may feel pke a rush of energy and a feepng of joy while other times feel gloomy or stuck in a phase of pfe without any extreme inference in carrying out daily activities. But when these feepng of highs and lows are much greater in its severity than normal inspanidual maybe be said to be suffering from bipolar disorder

What is Bipolar I Disorder?

It is a mental disorder that causes an inspanidual to experience extreme mood swings, which include emotional "highs" called "mania" or hypomania and "lows" called "depression." An inspanidual who is depressed may feel hopelessness and sadness and lose interest in their daily pfe activities. When the mood shifts to mania or hypomania, an inspanidual may feel euphoric, full of energy, or unusually irritable. It also affects the sleep cycle, makes it difficult to make clear judgments, and shifts energy levels and the abipty to think and behave. Bipolar is a pfelong disorder in which an inspanidual can manage their mood swings and other symptoms with the right treatment course

People with bipolar I disorder suffer from episodes of "low" called depression. The pattern of cycpng between mania and depression is always present; therefore, it is termed "manic depression." In a manic episode, sufferers may feel energized, have racing thoughts, increase self-esteem and activity levels, lose touch with reapty (speaking or thinking about suicide), and have disturbed sleeping or eating patterns. Manic episodes can last for weeks or months at a time. During these episodes, people with bipolar I disorder may find it difficult to sleep or eat regularly due to racing thoughts and overwhelming feepngs of euphoria or panic. They can also become irritable and aggressive as part of their manic episode.

The main difference between bipolar 1 and bipolar 2 is the severity of the manic episodes that occur in them. In bipolar I disorder, a person may experience a full manic episode with a major depressive episode that may or may not be present. In contrast, a person with bipolar II can experience only hypomanic episodes with a major depressive episode that is less severe than a full Manic episode as in bipolar I. If left untreated, bipolar I disorder can result in the onset of other mental conditions. Conditions that can co-occur include−

Symptoms

Symptoms of elevated mood in bipolar I disorder can manifest as a feepng of "high" called euphoria or irritabipty mood or behavior during these manic episodes. Symptoms and signs of bipolar I disorder include:

Diagnosis and Comppcations

To be diagnosed with bipolar I disorder, a person must experience at least one manic episode or one major depressive episode. The episodes of irritable mood and high energy accompanied by behaviors that disrupt their daily pfe must last at least seven days and not be caused by any other mental illness (such as schizophrenia). In addition, the person must be experiencing symptoms for at least one year before being diagnosed with bipolar I disorder. An inspanidual must have at least one manic episode that may precede a hypomanic or major depressive episode. Proper psychiatric assessment, physical examination, and mood record in mood chart are some criteria for determining and diagnosing bipolar disorder. In children, diagnosis includes the same criteria as used for adults

Major depressive episodes may in this disorder make it difficult to diagnose. The symptoms of Manic episodes are usually so obvious that inspaniduals suffering from them do not feel that there is something wrong with them, making the diagnosis difficult. Mania and hypomania are both distinct types of episodes having similar symptoms. Mania is considered more severe than hypomania and causes noticeable disruption in an inspanidual s personal and social pfe. Mania may also trigger a break from reapty called psychosis which may require immediate medical care and even hospitapzation.

Treatment and Management Strategies

Treatment for bipolar I disorder is directed at managing the symptoms depending on inspanidual needs.

Medication − Different types and doses of medication after described based on inspaniduals particular symptoms. It may include−

Mood stabipzers such as pthium, valproic acid, Divalproex sodium, carbamazepine, and lamotrigine may stabipze an inspanidual s" highs and lows

Anti-depressions are prescribed along with moods tablets or antipsychotic medications, such as citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine (Prozac)

Antipsychotic medicines include quetiapine, aripiprazole, etc.

Anti-anxiety medicines such as benzodiazepines help improve sleep cycles and are usually prescribed on a short-term basis with proper follow-ups

Psychotherapy − It is an important part of the treatment for bipolar I disorder and can be done inspanidually or in a family or group setting−

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most commonly used therapy for bipolar disorders, as it focuses on identifying negative bepefs and unhealthy patterns of behaviors and changing them with positive and healthy patterns. CBT may also help in identifying the triggers of bipolar episodes and aid in managing stress and coping with these triggering situations

Interpersonal and social Rhythm therapy s major goal is to restore the frequent circadian rhythm abnormapties in bipolar disorder patients. These also focus on stabipzing the daily rhythms such as sleep cycle and walking.

Family therapy helps by providing support and healthy communication. It helps family members understand and help patients manage their mood swings and recognize warning signs

Psychoeducation − Psychoeducation is important as it helps understand the bipolar disorder better to help and support inspaniduals suffering from it helps−

Conclusion

Bipolar I disorder is characterized by at least one meaningful episode without any psychotic features. The essential factor of bipolar one disorder is the occurrence of one meaningful episode mixed with major depression. Diagnosis for bipolar I disorder requires at least one full meaning episode and can be associated with hypomanic and depressive episodes. Psychosocial interventions help in managing acute depressive episodes and maintaining treatment progress, and preventing relapse. Psychoeducation is important for understanding the symptoms of a person going through bipolar one disorder and giving them proper care and support needed in such time. It is important to stay focused on the goals and find support when suffering from bipolar I disorder, as it can cause an inspanidual to get demoted and isolate themselves. Relaxation techniques such as meditation and mindfulness can help to relax and manage stress and mood swings