Characterized by drastic, uncontrollable mood swings, Bipolar disorder affects approximately 5.7 million Americans according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Also referred to as manic-depressive disorder, this mental illness can have devastating consequences if left unchecked, with alternating periods of mania—or extremely “up” behavior—and depression severely interrupting a sufferer’s ability to function normally in daily life.
There are four basic classifications of Bipolar disorder:
With all types, drastic shifts in mood and energy levels are experienced, but there are different criteria separating each category above. Understanding what type of Bipolar disorder a patient suffers from is important for planning proper treatment.
Bipolar I Disorder is defined by manic episodes that last at least one week at a time, or that are so intense the affected individual needs professional medical care. Depressive symptoms are also relentless, and occasionally a patient may experience both manic and depressive symptoms at once.
Bipolar II Disorder is slightly less extreme, with “hypomanic” episodes taking place instead of full-on mania, meaning the manic behavior is not usually enough to warrant hospitalization. Still, the pattern of mania and depression of a Bipolar II patient is a significant mental health issue.
Cyclothymic Disorder is less severe than Bipolar I and Bipolar II. It can progress to the more advanced stages of the disease in later life, especially without treatment.
Unspecified Bipolar Disorder is a term used to describe bipolar symptoms suffered by individuals who are lacking other hallmarks of the disease.
