Some people with this disorder experience more depressive episodes than manias, others experience the reverse. While some experience a few days of depression or mania, others experience weeks or months. Typically, depressive feelings tend to last longer than do manic feelings. And, a person who has this disorder can expect, on the average, ten episodes of either mania or depression within the span of their lives. Sensuality is pervasive, the desire to seduce and be seduced is irresistible.
Infectious humor ceases to amuse.
Estimates of the prevalence of this disorder within the general public range from between one and two percent. The disease, as a whole, affects men and women equally. There are also remarkable rate similarities between cultures and countries. Usually, people with this disorder experience their first episode of depression or mania in their twenties, though the age of first episode can occur later in life. Bipolar 1 is typified by manic episodes followed by depressive episodes.