To meet the diagnostic criteria for Bipolar I, the individual must have experienced at least one high, or manic episode, that has lasted for longer than one week. Some people with Bipolar I will have only manic episodes, although most will also have periods of depression. When untreated, manic episodes can generally last 3 to 6 months, with untreated depressive episodes lasting 6 to 12 months. | To meet the diagnostic criteria for Bipolar I, the individual must have experienced at least one high, or manic episode, that has lasted for longer than one week. Some people with Bipolar I will have only manic episodes, although most will also have periods of depression. When untreated, manic episodes can generally last 3 to 6 months, with untreated depressive episodes lasting 6 to 12 months. |