What is the minimum criteria for Bipolar I Disorder diagnosis?

The minimum criteria for diagnosing Bipolar I Disorder is the presence of at least one manic episode. A manic episode is characterized by a distinct period of abnormally elevated, expansive, or irritable mood, along with an increase in goal-directed activity or energy, lasting at least one week (or any duration if hospitalization is necessary). During this period, individuals often experience symptoms such as grandiosity, decreased need for sleep, talkativeness, racing thoughts, distractibility, and involvement in activities that have a high potential for painful consequences.

While major depressive episodes can occur in individuals with Bipolar I Disorder, they are not necessary for the diagnosis. The presence of psychotic features is also not a requirement for diagnosing the disorder, as manic episodes can occur without psychosis. Hypomanic episodes, which are less severe than manic episodes, are relevant to Bipolar II Disorder but are not a diagnostic criterion for Bipolar I Disorder. Thus, the key aspect for diagnosis lies solely in the occurrence of at least one manic episode.