What is bipolar I disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a treatable mental illness that causes extreme mood swings. There are four types in official lingo: I, II, not otherwise specified, and cyclothymia. Bipolar I disorder is diagnosed when you experience extreme and severe mood swings, and exhibit behavior that is completely different from behavior you would typically have. One moment you might be on Cloud 9, giddy, or in a state of euphoria. And then all of a sudden, without anything triggering it, you can feel incredibly sad, hopeless, or even suicidal. The manic and depressive episodes last for at least a week with symptoms so severe and debilitating, you need to be hospitalized.

Some people think of bipolar I disorder like riding a slow-motion roller coaster. You may spend weeks feeling like you are on top of the world, before plunging into a deep, dark depression. And imagine this goes on and on.

Bipolar I disorder is a type of bipolar disorder featuring long-lasting and extreme manic episodes and depression. The extreme mania lasts at least a week and the depression lasts at least two weeks. The episodes, especially those of mania, are extremely severe and dangerous. People with this type of bipolar disorder are unable to live their daily lives normally at times and must seek immediate hospitalization during episodes.