Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks.
There are four basic types of bipolar disorder; however, the fifth type is a combination of two types.
1) Bipolar I Disorder-defined by manic episodes that last at least 7 days (or by manic symptoms that are so severe that hospitalization is necessary). Depressive episodes may also be experienced with or without hypomanic symptoms.
2) Bipolar II Disorder-defined by a pattern of depressive episodes punctuated by hypomanic episodes (hypomania being a less severe form of mania).
3) Cyclothymic Disorder (also called Cyclothymia)-a milder form of bipolar disorder defined by numerous periods of hypomanic symptoms as well numerous periods of depressive symptoms lasting for at least 2 years (1 year in children and adolescents).
4) Rapid Cycling-a pattern in which 4 or more mood swings occur within a 12-month period. This can happen with any type of bipolar disorder.
5) Mixed Features Specifier-a specifier added to any diagnosis.
Bipolar I. Bipolar I disorder is the most common of the four types
Bipolar I disorder is the most common type of bipolar disorder, and it is characterized by manic episodes that last for at least seven days. People with bipolar I disorder may also experience depressive episodes, although these are typically shorter in duration than the manic episodes.
Bipolar II Disorder:
Bipolar II disorder is similar to bipolar I disorder, but the manic episodes are less severe. People with bipolar II disorder may also experience hypomanic episodes, which are periods of elevated mood that are not as severe as full-blown mania.
Cyclothymic Disorder:
Cyclothymic disorder is a milder form of bipolar disorder that is characterized by short periods of both hypomania and depression. People with cyclothymic disorder may never progress to full-blown mania or depression, but the condition can still be disruptive to one’s life.
Bipolar II. Bipolar II disorder is characterized by the shifting between the less severe hypomanic episodes and depressive episodes
What is Bipolar II Disorder? Bipolar II disorder is a mental illness that causes shifts in a person’s mood and energy. These shifts can range from mild (hypomania) to severe (depression). People with bipolar II disorder often experience periods of depression followed by periods of hypomania. Hypomania is a less intense form of mania.
Mania is a state of abnormally high energy, mood, and activity level. During a manic episode, people may feel like they can do anything and be anyone. They may have lots of ideas and start many projects but never finish any of them. They may spend large amounts of money or have risky sexual encounters. Manic episodes can last for weeks or even months and can be extremely disruptive to a person’s life.
Depressive episodes, on the other hand, are characterized by low energy, low mood, and decreased activity level. People with bipolar II disorder often feel hopeless and helpless during these times. They may struggle to get out of bed in the morning or take care of basic self-care tasks like showering or eating regular meals.
Cyclothymic disorder
Most people with cyclothymic disorder will experience periods of stable moods between the highs and lows, but some may go on to develop more severe bipolar disorder. It is important to seek treatment for cyclothymic disorder, as it can be a very debilitating condition.
There are five types of bipolar disorders: 1) Bipolar I Disorder- this is defined by manic episodes that last at least 7 days, or by manic symptoms so severe that hospitalization is required. People with Bipolar I Disorder also have depressive episodes, although these are usually not as long or intense as the manic episodes. 2) Bipolar II Disorder- this is defined by a pattern of depressive episodes followed by hypomanic episodes (a less intense form of mania). People with Bipolar II Disorder generally do not experience full-blown manic episodes such as those seen in Bipolar I Disorder. 3) Cyclothymic Disorder- this is defined by periods of both hypomania and depressive symptoms lasting for at least 2 years (1 year in children and adolescents). However, the symptoms do not meet the criteria for either Bipolar I or II Disorder. 4) Rapid Cycling- this refers to when a person experiences 4 or more mood swings within a 12 month period (regardless of whether they meet criteria for any other type of bipolar disorder). 5) Mixed Features Specifier- this refers to when a person experiences symptoms of both mania and depression at the same time (or within 14 days of each other).
Unspecified bipolar disorder
Bipolar I Disorder is the most severe type of bipolar disorder, and is characterized by manic episodes that last for at least 7 days or are so severe that hospitalization is required. Bipolar II Disorder involves both depressive and hypomanic episodes, but does not include any full-blown manic episodes. Cyclothymic Disorder involves milder forms of both depression and mania, and can often be difficult to diagnose since the symptoms may not be as extreme as other types of bipolar disorder.
Other Specified Bipolar Disorder (OSBD) refers to cases where an individual experiences symptoms that do not fit neatly into any one category. This could include individuals who have experienced only one episode of mania or hypomania in their lifetime, or those whose symptoms do not meet the criteria for any other specific type of bipolar disorder. Finally, Unspecified Bipolar Disorder (UBD) refers to cases where an individual experiences symptoms typical of bipolar disorder but does not meet the criteria for any specific subtype.