Bipolar type one is the first form of bipolar disorder, where patients have at least one manic episode. Mania is defined as an excessively high mood. While a previous manic episode is required for diagnosis, the Mayo Clinic notes that patients diagnosed with bipolar type one may or may not have also had previous episodes of depression. Bipolar type one patients experience mood swings between mania and depression, though the majority of the symptoms are manic symptoms.
Emotional Symptoms of Mania
The Mayo Clinic states that the hallmark symptoms of mania are euphoria and extreme optimism that represent changes from the person's normal emotional state. During a manic episode, patients have an inflated self-esteem, which can lead to an increase in goals and amount of work taken on by the patients. Bipolar type one patients can also feel agitated and are easily irritated.
Behavioral Symptoms of Mania
During a manic episode, a patient experiences a drastic change in behavior. The Mayo Clinic states that patients experience poor judgment, which can lead to risky behavior. Examples of risky behavior include shopping sprees, drug use and unprotected sex. Physical activity is increased during mania, and the need for sleep is decreased. Patients also act aggressively when manic. Racing thoughts are another behavioral symptom of mania, which can result in rapid speech; it will appear as patients are not taking breaks in between ideas, both in thinking and in speaking.
Depression Symptoms
For patients with bipolar type one, depression symptoms are less severe and do not occur as often as mania symptoms. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) states that symptoms of depression include persistent sadness, loss of self-esteem and feeling hopeless. Patients may also withdraw from people and activities during a depressive episode. Patients experience fatigue during depression and have problems sleeping. Insomnia and excessive sleeping are two sleeping problems associated with depression.
