What Is Bipolar I?
Bipolar disease is a psychiatric condition which is marked by periods of both mania (an extremely elevated mood) and depression (a very low or sad mood). There are varying degrees of bipolar disorder, but all are marked by the appearance of mania. Bipolar I disorder is generally identified by the appearance of at least one "manic" period, which my be followed by a depressive period. Although the appearance of manic symptoms is sufficient to diagnose bipolar disorder, if these symptoms are the result of drug abuse, schizophrenia, or another condition, then a diagnosis of bipolar I is not warranted.
Pharmacological Treatment for Impulsive Behavior
Because of the manic episodes, many people with Bipolar I disorder may struggle with impulsive behavior. This can be especially dangerous because impulsive behavior often includes impulsive buying sprees, which can make things difficult financially for someone suffering from Bipolar I. In many cases, treating the manic episodes may help with the impulsive behavior. In general, the primary pharmacological method of mood stabilization is lithium, in the form of lithium carbonate or another compound called Lamotrigine. While these medications are most effective in preventing depressive episodes, their mood-stabilizing properties also help prevent the manic episodes that lead to impulsive behavior.
Psychological Therapies
Most psychological therapies are based on controlling the symptoms of bipolar disorder. In order to control the impulsive behaviors from Bipolar I, it is important to identify some of the situations that trigger impulsive disorders. In many cases, therapists recommend delaying any and all decisions, especially those involving the purchasing of expensive items, in order to counteract the impulsiveness associated with manic episodes. In other cases, therapists may recommend talking with the therapist during manic periods, which helps develop a patient-doctor rapport and sense of trust.
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