Bipolar 1 Disorder
The main criterion for the diagnosis of Bipolar 1 disorder is the presence of manic episodes. Mania is defined as a distinct period, lasting at least one week, of abnormally and persistently elevated expansive or irritable mood and abnormally and persistently increased goal-directed activity or energy. In addition, at least three of the following symptoms must also be present:
- Inflated self-esteem
- Decreased need for sleep
- More talkative than usual
- Racing thoughts
- Distractibility
- Increase in impulsive behaviours that have high potential for significantly adverse consequences (eg: buying spress, sexual indiscretions, road racing)
Manic symptoms are highly disruptive, and cause significant impairment to the individual’s work life, and personal life. The vast majority of individuals who experience a full manic episode have also experienced at least one Major Depressive episode, but this is not necessary for the diagnosis.
Bipolar 2 Disorder
For this diagnosis, the major symptom of abnormally and persistently elevated mood and energy must have lasted at least 4 days, along with at least 3 of the symptoms listed above. However, the impact of a hypomanic episode on one’s work may be less severe than is the case with a full manic episode In addition, however, there must be a history of at least one Major Depressive episode.
The prevalence of either Bipolar1 or Bipolar 2 is less than 1% of the population for both males and females; whereas the prevalence of Major Depressive Disorder on its own is roughly 7%, and is 1.5 to 3 times more likely to occur in females than in males.
While medication is considered to be a first line treatment for Bipolar Disorders, research indicates that medication alone is rarely effective in managing this condition, CBT has been demonstrated to add significantly to positive outcome in the treatment of Bipolar Disorders. All therapists at OCCT are highly skilled in the treatment of Bipolar conditions.