Know the common symptoms of bipolar disorder 1, including humor changes, mania, depression and possible psychotic features.

Bipolar disorder 1, also known as manic-depressive disorder, is a mental illness characterized by extreme mood changes that range between manic increases and depressive drops. These mood episodes can last a few days or several months, and can considerably alter a person’s daily life. Next we will explore the symptoms typically associated with bipolar disorder 1.

Manic Symptoms:

During a manic episode, individuals with bipolar disorder 1 may experience intense euphoria and excitability and do not agree with their usual behavior. Some of the key symptoms are

• Increased energy levels and decrease in the need to sleep
• Fast speech and accelerated thoughts
• Extreme irritability and agitation
• Great beliefs or a sense of inflated sel f-importance

It is important to note that, during a manic episode, people often adopt impulsive and risky behaviors, such as spending too much, recklessly driving or maintaining unprotected sex. These behaviors can have serious consequences and cause financial, legal or couple problems.

Depressive Symptoms:

On the other hand, during a depressive episode, people with bipolar disorder 1 may experience overwhelming sadness, loss of interest in activities and feelings of hopelessness. Some of the common symptoms associated with a depressive episode include:

• Persistent feelings of sadness or emptiness
• Significant changes in appetite and weight
• Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
• Fatigue and energy loss

It is crucial to underline that bipolar disorder 1 is a chronic disease and that it is necessary to control it for life. An adequate diagnosis and treatment, under the orientation of health professionals, can help people with bipolar disorder 1 to lead a full life and minimize the impact of these humor changes on their general wel l-being.

Symptoms of Bipolar 1

One of the key symptoms of bipolar 1 disorder is the presence of manic episodes. During a manic episode, individuals may experience intense euphoria or irritability, increased energy levels, increased self-esteem, decreased need for sleep, and a racing mind. Other symptoms may include rapid speech, impulsive behavior, and difficulty concentrating. These manic episodes usually last at least a week and can have a significant impact on a person’s life.

Important: Manic episodes of bipolar 1 disorder can lead to reckless or dangerous behavior, such as overspending, reckless driving, or risky sex. It is crucial to seek immediate professional help if someone is experiencing a manic episode.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, people with bipolar 1 disorder also experience depressive episodes. These episodes are characterized by feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities they previously enjoyed. Other symptoms may include changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and thoughts of death or suicide. Depressive episodes can last weeks or even months, and can greatly affect a person’s overall well-being and functioning.

Understanding Bipolar Disorder

Manic episodes of bipolar disorder are characterized by elevated mood, increased activity levels, racing thoughts, and decreased need for sleep. These episodes can last several days or even weeks, during which the individual may engage in impulsive or risky behaviors. On the other hand, depressive episodes are characterized by a persistent feeling of sadness, loss of interest in activities, fatigue, changes in appetite, and thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

Key symptom: Bipolar disorder is identified by the presence of manic and depressive episodes. It is important to note that each person’s experience with bipolar disorder is unique, and the severity and frequency of these episodes can vary.

It is essential to understand that bipolar disorder is a chronic disease that requires continuous treatment and support. Although there is no known cure for bipolar disorder, a combination of medication, therapy, lifestyle changes and a solid support system can help people effectively control their symptoms and lead a satisfactory life.

• Medication: Stabilizers of mood, antipsychotics, antidepressants and anxiolytics are usually prescribed to help balance mood and reduce the frequency and intensity of manic and depressive episodes.
• Therapy: Psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (TCC) or behavioral dialectic therapy (TDC), can help people develop coping mechanisms, identify trigger factors and manage stressful factors.
• Changes in lifestyle: To control bipolar disorder it is essential to maintain a regular sleep schedule, perform a regular physical activity, practice stress control techniques and avoid alcohol and drug use.

manic episodes

During a manic episode, people with bipolar disorder 1 may experience a wide range of symptoms and behaviors indicative of an exalted mood and an increase in energy levels. These symptoms often differ from their typical behavior and can affect their daily functioning and their relationships.

• Less need to sleep: individuals often say they feel rested after only a few hours of sleep or even spend long without sleeping during a manic episode.
• Accelerated thoughts: thoughts can run through the mind at a fast pace, so it is difficult for people to concentrate or maintain attention on a subject.
• Grandiosity: During a manic episode a strong feeling of sel f-importance and an exaggerated belief in their own abilities or talents may appear, which leads people to undertake risky or unrealistic projects or objectives.

1. Talking in excess: speech can be quick and incoherent, jumping from one subject to another.
2. Impulsivity: During manic episodes, people can adopt impulsive and hig h-risk behaviors, such as driving recklessly, spending excessively or maintaining unprotected sex.
3. Increased irritability: although mania is often associated with a high mood, people may also experience irritability, anger or agitation during manic episodes.

It is important to note that not all people with bipolar disorder 1 experience the same symptoms during a manic episode. The severity and duration of the symptoms may vary greatly from one person to another, and some may have additional or different symptoms from those mentioned above. It is crucial to consult with a health professional to obtain an accurate diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan.

Depressive episodes

1. Persistent sadness: The main symptom of a depressive episode is a persistent feeling of sadness that extends over time, normally for at least two weeks. This sadness does not have an identifiable cause and is often not related to events or circumstances of life. People can feel empty, irritable and with a reduced capacity to experience joy or happiness.

• Feelings of hopelessness: along with sadness, people who experience a depressive episode can also feel an overwhelming feeling of despair with respect to the future. This can manifest as the belief that things will never improve or that life makes no sense. People can lose interest in activities that they previously enjoyed and have difficulty imagining a positive result.
• Changes in sleep patterns: depressive episodes often alter sleep patterns, causing insomnia or excessive sleep. Some individuals may be difficult to reconcile sleep or remain asleep throughout the night, while others can sleep for prolonged periods during the day. These alterations can further exacerbate the feeling of fatigue and low energy levels.
• Reduced energy levels: Depressive episodes of bipolar disorder 1 often cause a notable decrease in energy levels. People can feel tired frequently and lack motivation to perform daily activities. Even simpler tasks may require considerable effort, which leads to a decrease in productivity and operation.
• Changes in appetite and weight: fluctuations in appetite and weight are common during depressive episodes. Some individuals may experience a significant decrease in appetite, which leads to remarkable weight loss, while others may resort to food as a source of comfort and show an increase in appetite, resulting in weight gain.
• Difficulty of concentration: individuals in a depressive episode may experience difficulties in concentrating, making decisions and remembering information. These cognitive deficiencies can interfere with work or school performance and contribute to generating feelings of frustration and doubts about oneself.

It is important to note that the symptoms of a depressive episode in bipolar disorder 1 are different from those of unipolar depression. The presence of manic or hypomaniac episodes differentiates bipolar disorder 1 from major depressive disorder.

Understanding the symptoms of the depressive episodes of bipolar disorder 1 is crucial for a precise diagnosis and effective treatment. If you or someone who knows experience prolonged periods of sadness, hopelessness or other symptoms associated with a depressive episode, it is important to seek medical attention for adequate evaluation and support.

Hypomanic Episodes

Symptoms: During a hypomaniac episode, people can experience an increase in sel f-esteem and trust, greater creativity and productivity, and a lower need to sleep. They can also carry out excessively objective activities, such as undertaking multiple projects or making impulsive decisions without taking into account the consequences. In addition, people in a hypomaniac state can show greater madness and rapid flow of thoughts, which makes it difficult to follow their conversation or line of thought.

Important information:

• Hypomaniac episodes differ from peanuts in terms of gravity and deterioration of functioning.
• People in a hipomaniac state often feel euphoric, energetic and safer of themselves.
• They can have an impulsive behavior and speak quickly and have accelerated thoughts.

Hypomaniac episodes are usually shorter than peanuts and can last from a few days to a few weeks. It is important to note that, although hypomaniac episodes may not cause significant deterioration, they can lead to irrational decisio n-making and risk behaviors. It is crucial that the people who experience these episodes seek medical evaluation and treatment to control their bipolar disorder 1 and prevent a possible climbing to more serious manic episodes.

Psychotic Symptoms in Bipolar 1

The psychotic symptoms of bipolar 1 disorder can manifest in both manic and depressive episodes. During manic episodes, individuals may experience symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thinking. Delusions are false beliefs that are held firmly despite evidence to the contrary. These delusions can take various forms, including grandiose delusions, in which individuals believe they possess special powers or abilities. Hallucinations, on the other hand, consist of perceiving things that do not really exist, such as hearing voices or seeing things that others cannot see. Disorganized thinking can manifest itself through speech patterns that are meaningless or difficult to follow.

Delusions: False beliefs that are held firmly despite evidence to the contrary. They may include grandiose delusions in which the individual believes he or she has special powers or abilities.

Hallucinations: Perceiving things that are not actually present, such as hearing voices or seeing things that others cannot see.

Disorganized thinking: Speech patterns that make no sense or are difficult to follow.

During depressive episodes, psychotic symptoms of bipolar 1 disorder may manifest primarily as delusions and feelings of worthlessness or guilt. The individual may hold beliefs that he is inherently defective or responsible for all the world’s problems. These delusions can intensify feelings of hopelessness and contribute to deepening depression. Additionally, individuals may experience somatic hallucinations, which consist of perceiving physical sensations that are not actually occurring. This can further aggravate your emotional distress and overall functioning.

1. Delusions: False beliefs that include feelings of worthlessness or guilt.
2. Somatic hallucinations: Perceiving physical sensations that are not really happening.

Mood Swings and Emotional Instability

1. Bipolar disorder:

• Individuals with bipolar disorder experience extreme mood swings, ranging from manic episodes to depressive episodes.
• During manic episodes, they often experience elevated mood, increased energy levels, impulsivity, and grandiose thoughts.
• On the other hand, during depressive episodes, they may feel extremely low, experience loss of interest and pleasure in activities, have difficulty concentrating, and even have suicidal thoughts.

Bipolar disorder is characterized by the presence of at least one manic episode, with or without depressive episodes. It is important to note that there are different types of bipolar disorder, with bipolar 1 being the most severe form.

2. Borderline personality disorder:

1. Individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD) often struggle with intense and unstable emotions.
2. They may display impulsive behavior patterns, have difficulty regulating their emotions, and experience chronic feelings of emptiness.
3. Additionally, individuals with BPD may have a fear of abandonment, which may further contribute to their emotional instability.

Borderline personality disorder is a mental health disorder characterized by a pattern of instability in self-image, personal relationships, and emotions. It is important to seek professional help to obtain an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

3. 3. Major depressive disorder:

• People with major depressive disorder (MDD) often experience persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities.
• They may also experience changes in appetite and sleep patterns, difficulty concentrating, and thoughts of death or suicide.
• The emotional instability of MDD can cause significant impairment in various areas of life, such as work, relationships, and self-care.

Cognitive Impairments in Bipolar 1: Understanding the Impact on Mental Functioning

Attention deficits are one of the cognitive deficits commonly seen in individuals with bipolar 1 disorder. Difficulties maintaining attention and filtering out distractions can make it difficult to perform tasks that require concentration, such as reading, listening, or maintaining attention on a subject. specific activity. In severe cases, people may present symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) along with bipolar 1 disorder. It is important to note that the attention deficits in bipolar 1 disorder are different from those seen in ADHD, as they tend to be episodic and related to mood fluctuations.

“The cognitive impairments seen in bipolar 1 disorder are not limited to attention deficits alone. They also encompass deficits in memory and executive functioning.”

Memory disturbances are another common aspect of cognitive dysfunction in bipolar 1 disorder. They can manifest as difficulties in short-term memory or working memory, making it difficult for people to remember recent events or retain information duringtasks. Forgetfulness and frequent loss of personal items may be evident. Additionally, long-term memory retrieval may be impaired during depressive or manic episodes, leading to the experience of unreliability or inconsistency in recall of past events.

Deficits in executive functioning include difficulties planning, organizing, and making decisions. These impairments can hinder a person’s ability to set goals, complete tasks, and maintain effective self-regulation. Poor judgment and impulsivity may occur, contributing to risky behaviors during manic episodes. Additionally, people with bipolar 1 disorder may have difficulty adapting to changes in their environment or multitasking due to impaired executive functioning.

Physical Symptoms Associated with Bipolar 1

1. Sleep disturbances: One of the most common physical symptoms experienced by people with bipolar 1 disorder is altered sleep patterns. During manic episodes, people may need less sleep, feel restless, and engage in excessive activities for long periods of time. Furthermore, during depressive episodes, individuals may experience hypersomnia, struggling to get out of bed and feeling excessively fatigued. These sleep disturbances can further exacerbate mood swings and contribute to the overall cycle of bipolar symptoms.

2. Changes in appetite and weight: Another important physical symptom associated with bipolar 1 disorder is altered appetite and subsequent weight changes. During manic episodes, people may experience an increased appetite and overeat, leading to weight gain. On the contrary, during depressive episodes, loss of appetite is common, causing a significant decrease in food intake and subsequent weight loss. These fluctuations in appetite and weight can negatively affect overall physical health and contribute to feelings of low self-esteem and body image issues.

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Author of the article

Dr.Greenblatt M.

Medical oncologist at the Robert Larner College of Medicine, MD, at the University of Vermont