Bipolar I Disorder

Psychiatry/Behavioral · ~7% of blueprint

Pathophysiology: Recurrent mood episodes with a strong heritable component and neurotransmitter dysregulation.
Signs & Symptoms: ≥1 manic episode — DIG FAST (distractibility, impulsivity, grandiosity, flight of ideas, ↑ activity, ↓ sleep, talkativeness); ± depression.
Gold Standard Diagnosis: Clinical (DSM-5): at least one manic episode lasting ≥1 week (or requiring hospitalization).
First-line Treatment: Mood stabilizers (lithium, valproate) or atypical antipsychotics; avoid antidepressant monotherapy.

High-Yield Pearl

A single manic episode defines Bipolar I; antidepressant monotherapy can trigger mania — avoid it.

More Psychiatry/Behavioral conditions