Overview of Bipolar I Disorder
The below link gives a high-level overview of the epidemiology, prognosis, comorbidity, diagnosis, pathophysiology, and treatment of bipolar I disorder, which is a mental disorder characterized by mania. Some patients present with “mixed features,” with moods shifting quickly between mania, depression, anger, and/or irritability. Others may also present with less sleep grandiosity, talkativeness, racing thoughts, and risk-taking behavior. Men seem to have a greater amount of manic episodes, while women have a greater amount of depressive/rapid cycling episodes. The typical age of onset is 20 years of age in the United States and 29 years of age in European countries.
Up to 25% of patients will have symptom relapse with treatment compared with up to 40% for patients on placebo. The risk factors for relapse are young age of onset, psychotic features, rapid cycling, comorbid substance use, and comorbid anxiety. For the treatment of bipolar I disorder, lithium is the gold standard for all phases. Atypical antipsychotics play a critical part in the treatment of acute mania. Bipolar I disorder treatment adherence is a challenge, with 1 in 3 patients unable to adhere to long-term treatment.
Reference: Bipolar I Disorder. PsychDB. Accessed June 30, 2022. https://www.psychdb.com/bipolar/bipolar-i#treatment
