Signs and Symptoms of Bipolar I Disorder

The signs and symptoms of bipolar I disorder are not always apparent to those that are not particularly knowledgeable about this illness. Still, there are some symptoms that go hand-in-hand with bipolar I disorder. First, I will discuss the symptoms, and then I will present one case, my own, of how those symptoms were presented over time.

The symptoms of bipolar depression are a bit more straightforward and easy to recognize. Symptoms include periods of worry, loss of interest, lethargy, problems concentrating, restlessness, changes in habits, and dark thoughts (NIMH).

Extreme mania is a defining feature of bipolar I disorder. Symptoms of mania include irritability, agitation, pressured speech, racing thoughts, restlessness, increased energy, decreased need for sleep, and risk-taking behaviors (NIMH).

My diagnosis as bipolar I was not apparent in the very beginning. I was clearly suffering from some form of depression. In the case of many bipolar individuals, they are misdiagnosed as Major Depressive because the symptoms of depression usually cause more agony for patients. The same was true for me, so I sought treatment during my depressive episodes. My depressive episodes consisted of the usual lethargy, insomnia, a side case of anxiety, loss of interest, and feelings of guilt. I would be given an antidepressant and sent on my way. However, I would soon stop taking that antidepressant because I felt fine. I felt better than fine, I felt fantastic. It is very often the case that undiagnosed bipolar patients on antidepressants will swing up into mania, and I was a very typical case of that side effect.

My mania could be devastating. In my earlier years, mania presented itself as extreme agitation and irritability, along with hyperactivity. I was prone to getting in trouble during these periods of time. However, as I got older, I ran into even more trouble. My reckless behavior would lead me to go on spending sprees, drive my car as fast as I could, and engage in other behaviors that I will not mention. In the end, I have two maxed out credit cards and a suitcase loaded with other problems. These episodes were not always recognized as mania, because I just regarded them as my stupid, reckless behavior. However, as I got a bit older, it became apparent that I could no longer ignore the periods between my depression. Sometimes the signs become too obvious.

It is extremely important to correctly discover and diagnose patients with bipolar I disorder because the path left by a manic episode can be devastating, and I had to learn that first hand.

Sources:

(NIMH) National Institute of Mental Health. 2009. http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/bipolar-disorder/complete-index