What is Bipolar I Disorder?
The distinguishing feature of Bipolar I Disorder is that the patient has experienced a Manic Episode. Patients may or may not have previously experienced a Major Depressive Episode in order to be diagnosed as Bipolar I, but it is likely that depression will follow a Manic Episode. One of the complications in diagnosing Bipolar I is the fact that drugs, such as cocaine, dextroamphetamine, anti-depressants, hallucinogens and corticosteroids, can also precipitate mania. A further complication is the fact that a person suffering from Bipolar I is more prone to experiencing a Manic Episode following drug use than is a person who is not suffering from a bipolar disorder. What should be remembered is that at least one non-drug-induced Manic Episode is the distinguishing feature of Bipolar I.
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