Bipolar I Disorder--Diagnostic Features (DSM-IV, p. 350)
The essential feature of Bipolar I Disorder is a clinical course that is characterized by the occurrence of one or more Manic Episodes or Mixed Episodes. Often individuals have also had one or more Major Depressive Episodes. Episodes of Substance-Induced Mood Disorder (due to the direct effects of a medication, or other somatic treatments for depression, a drug of abuse, or toxin exposure) or of Mood Disorder Due to a General Medical Condition do not count toward a diagnosis of Bipolar I Disorder. In addition, the episodes are not better accounted for by Schizoaffective Disorder and are not superimposed on Schizophrenia, Schizophreniform Disorder, Delusional Disorder, or Psychotic Disorder Not Otherwise Specified.
Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
Some symptoms typical of those who have bipolar disorder include:
- Feelings of extreme elevation and
deep depression at the same time [ yeah.. ]
- Large variations in work quality and output [ urmm.. ]
- Periods of great optimism followed or
preceded by periods of great pessimism [ ah.. that's.. yeah ]
- Overly happy (or sad) period [ oh my ]
- Racing thoughts - jump from one thought
to another very quickly [ not really ]
- Extreme irritability [ sometimes ]
- Lack of concentration [ no doubt ]
- Hopelessness [ hope = 1 out of ten ]
- Thoughts of death or suicide [ well.. ]
Those who experience these symptoms need to contact a physician for proper diagnosis of their condition.
i should be worried. ck
