GABA Telepsychiatry outlines bipolar disorder diagnostic criteria

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition marked by severe mood swings, including manic episodes characterized by heightened energy and depressive episodes with low energy. There are two primary types of bipolar disorder: Bipolar I and Bipolar II, each with distinct diagnostic criteria.

**Bipolar I Disorder** requires at least one manic episode. This episode must last a minimum of one week and be present most of the day, nearly every day. Key symptoms include: – Elevated mood, increased energy, or irritability – Inflated self-esteem or grandiosity – Reduced need for sleep, feeling rested after only a few hours – Rapid or pressured speech – Racing thoughts or flight of ideas – Distractibility or focus on irrelevant stimuli – Increased goal-directed activities or psychomotor agitation – Engagement in high-risk behaviors like reckless spending or risky sexual activities

These symptoms must lead to significant impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. If necessary, hospitalization may be required to ensure the safety of the individual or others. If the manic episode includes psychotic features, such as hallucinations or delusions, it supports the diagnosis of Bipolar I Disorder. Importantly, symptoms must not be attributable to substance abuse, medication effects, or other medical conditions.

**Bipolar II Disorder** is characterized by at least one major depressive episode and one hypomanic episode. A hypomanic episode, while still altering behavior and energy, is less severe than a manic episode and lasts at least four consecutive days, occurring most of the day, nearly every day. Symptoms include: – Elevated, expansive, or irritable mood – Increased energy or activity – Inflated self-esteem or grandiosity – Reduced need for sleep – Rapid speech or pressured speech – Distractibility or flight of ideas – Increased goal-directed activity or psychomotor agitation – High-risk activities that may lead to negative outcomes

Unlike manic episodes, hypomanic episodes do not cause severe impairment in social or occupational functioning and lack psychotic features. If psychosis is present, the episode would be classified as manic. Additionally, hypomanic symptoms should not arise from substance-induced effects or other medical conditions.

**Key Differences** – Bipolar I involves at least one manic episode, while Bipolar II includes only hypomanic and major depressive episodes. – Manic episodes in Bipolar I are often severe and may necessitate hospitalization; hypomanic episodes in Bipolar II are milder and less likely to cause significant impairment. – Bipolar II is frequently underdiagnosed due to the subtler nature of hypomanic episodes.

Diagnosing bipolar disorder requires careful assessment by a qualified healthcare professional. Recognizing symptoms early can lead to more effective management and improved quality of life. Treatment options, including medication and therapy, are tailored to the individual’s specific type and severity of bipolar disorder. Early intervention can lead to better outcomes for those affected.