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Understanding Bipolar I Disorder

People experience different moods throughout their lives. Happiness, anger, and depression are moods most people experience at one time or another. There is a difference between the various moods most people experience and the episodes of severe mood swings experienced by people with bipolar I disorder.

It is estimated that over 2.4 million adults in the U.S. have bipolar I disorder. Patients with bipolar I disorder can experience extreme mood swings. These changes in mood aren’t as simple as transitioning from happy to sad. With bipolar I disorder, symptoms can include both a lowering of mood (depression) and an exaggerated elevation of mood (mania). These changes occur in cycles and are referred to as episodes, which can take three different forms: manic, depressive, and mixed.

Bipolar I disorder is a disease thought to be caused by changes in the chemistry of the brain. The symptoms and severity of the condition can vary, but with treatment, bipolar I disorder symptoms can be managed.

There have been recent changes in the definition of symptoms for bipolar I disorder. Please see your healthcare provider for more information about these changes.