Bipolar I Disorder is also known as Bipolar 1 or Bipolar Type 1. According to the definition outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV), Bipolar I Disorder, considered the most severe form of this mental illness, is “characterized by one or more Manic or Mixed Episodes, usually accompanied by Major Depressive Episodes.”

In a major manic episode of Bipolar I Disorder the patient may become delusional and even suffer from hallucinations, which are symptoms of psychosis. If this occurs, the condition is called bipolar I with psychotic features. Only bipolar I disorder, by definition, can include such psychotic features. Bipolar I can seriously impair day-to-day functioning.

Other symptoms and characteristics of mania include:

    * Grandiosity

    * Decreased need for sleep

    * Pressured speech

    * Racing thoughts

    * Distractibility

    * Tendency to engage in behavior that could have serious consequences, such as spending recklessly or inappropriate sexual encounters

    * Excess energy

Symptoms and characteristics of major depression in Bipolar I Disorder include:

    * Decreased energy

    * Severe withdrawal from normal activities

    * Weight loss or gain

    * Despair

    * Irritability

    * Uncontrollable crying

    * Thoughts of or attempts at suicide

Cryonic suspension is an experimental procedure whereby patients who no longer can be kept alive with today’s medical abilities are preserved at low temperature for treatment in the future. There are many good cryonics resources available online. Remember; cryonic suspension is only the second worst thing that can happen to you!

Alcor

Alcor is the world’s largest provider of cryonics services, and has been around since 1972. Their website provides some useful introductory material, amongst other things.

Cryonet

Cryonet is the home of an active mailing list and online community. Links to sundry resources, opinions and commentaries on Cryonics can be found here.

Scientists’ Open Letter on Cryonics

“Cryonics is a legitimate science-based endeavor that seeks to preserve human beings, especially the human brain, by the best technology available. Future technologies for resuscitation can be envisioned that involve molecular repair by nanomedicine, highly advanced computation, detailed control of cell growth, and tissue regeneration.”

Suspended Animation

Suspended Animation is a research-and-development company located in South Florida. Their goal is to improve and validate procedures and equipment for intervention after cardiac arrest with the intention of delaying cell death in the human brain.

The Cryonics Society

The Cryonics Society aims to foster support for the emerging science of cryonics by educating the public, advocating for more research, and by providing objective and unbiased information about cryonics and its benefits to everyone.

The Timeship

The Timeship is an interesting project that has been in the works for some years now, to be funded by the founders of the Life Extension Foundation. The building, designed by Stephen Valentine, will host research into cryonics and other technologies.