Post by Mel on Jul 7, 2006 6:59:44 GMT -5
What is Bipolar I Disorder?
From Kimberly Read & Marcia Purse,
A. According to the official US definition as outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders published by the American Psychiatric Association, Bipolar I Disorder, considered the most severe form of this mental illness, is "characterized by one or more Manic or Mixed Episodes, usually accompanied by Major Depressive Episodes."
In a major manic episode the patient may become delusional and even suffer from hallucinations. If this occurs, the condition is called Bipolar I with Psychotic Features. Only Bipolar I disorder, by definition, can include such psychotic features. Bipolar I can seriously impair day-to-day functioning.
Other symptoms and characteristics of mania include:
Grandiosity
Decreased need for sleep
Pressured speech
Racing thoughts
Distractibility
Tendency to engage in behavior that could have serious consequences, such as spending recklessly or inappropriate sexual encounters
Excess energy
Symptoms and characteristics of major depression include:
Decreased energy
Severe withdrawal from normal activities
Weight loss or gain
Despair
Irritability
Uncontrollable crying
Thoughts of or attempts at suicide
by Kimberly Read
From Kimberly Read & Marcia Purse,
A. According to the official US definition as outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders published by the American Psychiatric Association, Bipolar I Disorder, considered the most severe form of this mental illness, is "characterized by one or more Manic or Mixed Episodes, usually accompanied by Major Depressive Episodes."
In a major manic episode the patient may become delusional and even suffer from hallucinations. If this occurs, the condition is called Bipolar I with Psychotic Features. Only Bipolar I disorder, by definition, can include such psychotic features. Bipolar I can seriously impair day-to-day functioning.
Other symptoms and characteristics of mania include:
Grandiosity
Decreased need for sleep
Pressured speech
Racing thoughts
Distractibility
Tendency to engage in behavior that could have serious consequences, such as spending recklessly or inappropriate sexual encounters
Excess energy
Symptoms and characteristics of major depression include:
Decreased energy
Severe withdrawal from normal activities
Weight loss or gain
Despair
Irritability
Uncontrollable crying
Thoughts of or attempts at suicide
by Kimberly Read