Bipolar disorder 1 is described as one of the most severe bipolar mental illness. People suffering from the disorder will often display frequent manic episodes and mixed reactions. The disorder is also characterized with severe depressive moods which are intense during certain time of the day. A person suffering from the disorder will become very delusional and will hallucinate during the day and even when sleeping. The disorder is the only bipolar disorder type that presents itself with symptoms of psychosis where it can seriously mess up with a person's lifestyle and everyday routines.
Other common symptoms that a person suffering from bipolar type 1 will display include trouble when trying to sleep or may even not feel sleepy at all. The patient will also display risk taking behaviors such as unprotected and inappropriate sexual activities, distractibility, pressured speech, and abnormal decreased energy when carrying out day to day activities, frequent racing thoughts and grandiosity. Furthermore, the patient may gain or loose weight and cry uncontrollably. The diagnosis of the disorder can be done by clearly evaluating hypomanic episodes such as elevated mood, inflated self esteem, among other symptoms. Hypomanic episodes may be less severe that is why it requires a close evaluation of the symptoms by doctors.
Bipolar disorder 1 can also be diagnosed by close evaluation of manic episodes, where in severe cases the patient the individual's level of carrying out day to day activities is greatly affected and will often have problems when dealing or rather handling relationships and family life. A mental history of the patient is also key to diagnosis, where more than one manic episode in a patient is observed. The disorder greatly affects the general lifestyle not only of the patient but also affects other members of the family emotionally.
When a person is diagnosed with the disorder, a treatment plan which involves medications and therapies is carried out. In extreme cases of the disorder, the patient may be hospitalized in the psychiatric unit where a close medical attention is given. The medicines that are offered to the patient are meant to stabilizer the mania mood swings and depression. The medication is also offered in different categories depending on the situation of a patient and it includes antidepressants, antipsychotics, calcium channel blockers and sedatives. The disease can also be treated using therapies which helps to change the behavior of the patient and the therapies includes dialectical, cognitive behavioral, gestalt among other therapies. Incase a patient is suffering from bipolar disorder 1 and is contemplating suicide then the best option is to hospitalize the patient for round the clock medical attention.
