Bipolar disorders are mental health disorders characterized by alternating depressive and manic episodes. Bipolar disorders are thought to exist on a spectrum that includes bipolar I disorder, bipolar II disorder, and cyclothymia. To be diagnosed with bipolar I disorder, an individual must have experienced at least one manic episode, which is [Page 509]defined as a period of elevated, irritable, or expansive mood lasting most of the day, nearly every day, for at least 1 week. In addition, the individual must experience at least three of the following symptoms for elevated or expansive mood, or four of the following symptoms for irritable mood: (1) inflated self-esteem or grandiosity, (2) decreased need for sleep, (3) more talkative than usual or pressure to keep talking, (4) flight of ...