Bipolar I Disorder

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.

Bipolar I disorder requires one or more manic or mixed episodes. A depressive episode is not required for a diagnosis of bipolar I disorder, although the overwhelming majority of people with bipolar I disorder suffer from them as well.

The manic phase of Bipolar I Disorder is often misdiagnosed as Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). Because bipolar I patients in the manic phase exhibit many of the signs and symptoms of pathological narcissism - hyperactivity, self-centeredness, lack of empathy, and control freakery.

Bipolar I Disorder actually is a number of separate diagnoses, depending upon the type of mood most recently experienced.

Bipolar I Disorder, Single Manic Episode

Presence of only one Manic Episode and no past Major Depressive Episodes.
Note: Recurrence is defined as either a change in polarity from depression or an interval of at least 2 months without manic symptoms.

Bipolar I Disorder, Most Recent Episode Hypomanic

Bipolar I Disorder actually is a number of separate diagnoses, depending upon the type of mood most recently experienced..
There has previously been at least one Manic Episode or Mixed Episode.

Bipolar I Disorder, Most Recent Episode Manic

Currently (or most recently) in a Manic Episode.
There has previously been at least one Major Depressive Episode, Manic Episode, or Mixed Episode.

Bipolar I Disorder, Most Recent Episode Mixed

Currently (or most recently) in a Mixed Episode.
There has previously been at least one Major Depressive Episode, Manic Episode, or Mixed Episode.

Bipolar I Disorder

Bipolar I Disorder

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