Video: Here’s what you should know about bipolar I disorder

Did you know bipolar I disorder affects around one per cent of the population?

Fabiano Gomes, academic psychiatrist and assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioural Neurosciences, says bipolar I disorder is a mood disorder defined by episodes of mania and depression.

A common misconception about bipolar I disorder is that it’s just about having ‘good days’ and ‘bad days,’ says Gomes.

“In reality, the mood episodes in bipolar I disorder are far more severe and often unrelated to life events,” he explains.

Bipolar I disorder is a mental health condition characterized by extreme shifts in mood, energy and activity levels.

Gomes says these shifts include manic episodes—periods of abnormally elevated or irritable mood, often accompanied by increased energy, impulsivity or risky behavior—which can last for days or even weeks and may be so severe that they require hospitalization.

People with bipolar I disorder can also experience depressive episodes, he explains, which are marked by feelings of sadness, fatigue and difficulty concentrating. These episodes might also involve changes in appetite or sleep and even thoughts of self-harm.

“At times, patients may present with both manic and depressive symptoms at the same time, in what we call a mixed presentation,” explains Gomes.

Early diagnosis and treatment are key to managing symptoms and improving quality of life, says Gomes, and it’s important not to wait to seek help if you or someone you know may have bipolar I disorder.

“Bipolar I disorder can have profound effects on a person’s life, but with the right knowledge and treatment people can lead fulfilling lives,” says Gomes.

This web story will be followed shortly by one on bipolar II disorder.

This is part of a mental health series produced by McMaster in collaboration with YouTube Health Canada, to counter online misinformation and provide reliable health information from medical experts.