The symptoms of bipolar disorder can last a person their entire life. If you don’t obtain treatment for your mental illness, you run the risk of experiencing manic or depressive episodes in the future. Even after receiving therapy for their bipolar disorder, some people nevertheless struggle from time to time with the presence of symptoms. The following categories of bipolar disorder are included:
Different Types of Bipolar Disorder
The pattern of manic episodes and depressive episodes can be used to differentiate between the various types of bipolar illness. It’s possible that the treatment that’s most effective for you will vary based on the type.
Included in the list of common signs of a manic episode are at least three of the following symptoms:
- Abnormally ebullient, jittery, or primed for sound
- Heightened levels of activity, excitement, or energy
- Inflated feelings of happiness and assurance in one’s own abilities (euphoria)
- Reduced requirements for sleep Unusual levels of talkativeness
- Thoughts that are racing
- Distractibility
- Making a decision on the spur of the moment
The following are examples of symptoms that are common during a major depressive episode:
- Insomnia or hypersomnia
- Weeping that cannot be explained or quelled by the sufferer.
- Severe tiredness
- A decline in the individual’s interest in activities that they would normally take pleasure in
- Recurring concerns of dying or killing oneself
#1. Bipolar I Disorder
At least one manic episode that lasts a minimum of seven days is required to meet the criteria for bipolar I, or the patient must have manic symptoms that are severe enough to necessitate immediate inpatient care. Depression is a possible symptom of bipolar disorder type I, and episodes of this condition often continue for at least two weeks. It is possible for a person who is battling bipolar I disorder to experience manic periods with some depressed features or depressive episodes with some manic aspects. Both of these scenarios are likewise plausible.
#2. Bipolar II disorder
Bipolar II disorder is distinguished from bipolar I disorder by the absence of severe manic episodes that can impair functioning and that are diagnostic of bipolar I disease. Instead, bipolar II disorder is distinguished by depressed periods and hypomanic episodes. In their lifespan, individuals who are diagnosed with bipolar II disorder have had at least one episode of hypomania as well as one episode of significant depression. In contrast to bipolar I disorder, which may or may not be accompanied by major depressive episodes in some cases, persons who suffer from bipolar II disorder frequently go through numerous major depressive episodes.
An individual who has bipolar II disorder is often able to lead a regular life in the time gaps between hypomanic episodes and depressive episodes.
Bipolar I Vs. Bipolar II Disorder
The key distinctions between bipolar I and bipolar II diseases lay in the severity of manic episodes and the number of major depressive episodes that are experienced. It may be difficult to understand the parallels and differences that exist between these two types of bipolar disorder. Hypomania, on the other hand, is experienced for at least four days in patients with bipolar II illness, and manic symptoms are present for at least one week in patients with bipolar I disease. Both manic and hypomanic episodes can be characterized by an abnormally elevated level of energy, an inflated sense of self-esteem, racing thoughts, impulsive behavior, a decreased need for sleep, and excessive talkativeness, among other symptoms. Mania and hypomania are both considered to be types of mania. Hypomania, on the other hand, does not come with any psychotic symptoms, impairment in functioning, or the frequent need to be hospitalized for psychiatric treatment like severe mania does.
Alterations in mood, energy, and capacity for concentration are hallmarks of both bipolar I and bipolar II disorders. Experiencing worry, distress, sad emotions, and psychosis are some of the additional indicators that may be associated with these conditions. It is possible for a person to be diagnosed with mixed episodes or rapid cycling of symptoms depending on the timing of these symptoms.
#3. Cyclothymic Disorder (also called Cyclothymia)
This type of bipolar disorder is a milder form of the more severe form of the condition known as manic-depressive bipolar disorder. It is characterized by cyclical periods of hypomanic symptoms as well as times of depressive symptoms that can continue for days or even weeks. The highs and lows associated with the cyclothymic disorder, on the other hand, do not reach the severity necessary to be classified as hypomanic or depressed episodes in accordance with the criteria for the bipolar test.
The cyclothymic condition typically manifests itself throughout the teenage years. People who have the illness frequently give the impression that they are functioning properly, despite the fact that others may find them “moody” or “difficult.” Cyclothymia is a condition that, if left untreated, can increase a person’s risk of developing bipolar disorder. However, those who struggle with this condition frequently do not seek treatment because they do not believe their mood fluctuations are severe enough.
#4. Rapid Cycling Bipolar
A person is considered to have rapid cycling when they experience four or more mood episodes during a period of twelve months. In order for there to be a clear distinction between episodes, there needs to be a certain amount of time that passes between each one. Within a single week, or even within a single day, some people experience changes in polarity from high to low, or vice versa. This means that the whole symptom profile that characterizes distinct, separate episodes may not be present for these people (for example, the person may not have a decreased need for sleep).
This phenomenon, which is debated within the field of psychiatry as to whether or not it is a real or well-established component of bipolar disorder, has been given the name “ultra-rapid” cycling on occasion. Although a pattern of rapid cycling can occur at any point in the course of an illness, some researchers believe that it may be more common at later points in the lifetime duration of an illness. This is despite the fact that a pattern of rapid cycling can occur at any point in the course of an illness. It seems that women have a higher prevalence of fast cycling than males do. A rapid cycle pattern is associated with an increased risk of severe depression as well as attempts at suicide.
Antidepressants have been linked, on occasion, to the onset of rapid cycling or to its extension for an extended period of time. However, that hypothesis is contentious, and additional research has to be done on it.
Bipolar Disorder Types Due to Another Medical or Substance Abuse Disorder (Unspecified Bipolar Disorder)
Even while some cases of bipolar disorder do not follow a particular pattern and do not fit into any of the three categories of disorders described earlier, they are nevertheless considered to meet the criteria for abnormal shifts in mood. For instance, a person may suffer minor depressive or hypomanic symptoms that last less than the specified amount of time for cyclothymia. Symptoms like these can be indicative of cyclothymia. Additionally, a person may experience depressive episodes even when they exhibit signs of mood elevation. However, these symptoms may be either too low or too brief to qualify as mania or hypomania in the diagnostic process.
Although it is possible to establish that these occurrences are indicative of bipolar disease, they do not fit into any of the categories of bipolar disorder that have been discussed previously.
Alternate Manifestations/Subtypes: Types of Bipolar Disorder
Mania and Hypomania
Both manic episodes and hypomanic episodes share the same symptoms while being two distinct types of manic episodes. Mania is a more severe form of manic-depressive illness than hypomania, and it results in more obvious difficulties at work, school, and other social activities, as well as in interpersonal relationships. It’s also possible for manic episodes to bring on psychosis, which would make treatment in a hospital necessary.
In both a manic episode and a hypomanic episode, three or more of the following symptoms are present:
- Abnormally ebullient, jittery, or primed for sound
- Heightened levels of activity, excitement, or energy
- Inflated feelings of happiness and assurance in one’s own abilities (euphoria)
- Reduced requirements for sleep Unusual levels of talkativeness
- Thoughts that are racing
- Distractibility
- Making poor choices, such as going on shopping binges, engaging in risky sexual behavior, or investing in unwise ventures, are examples of poor decision-making.
Major Depressive Episode
Having symptoms that are severe enough to create obvious trouble in day-to-day activities such as job, school, social activities, or relationships is a requirement for a diagnosis of major depressive disorder. An episode is defined as the occurrence of five or more of the following symptoms:
- A depressed mood characterized by feelings of sadness, emptiness, hopelessness, or tearfulness (in children and teens, a depressed mood can appear as irritability).
- A discernible lack of interest or the experience of having no joy in all or nearly all of one’s activities
- Significant weight loss when the individual is not on a diet, weight gain, or a decrease or rise in appetite for all three (in children, failure to gain weight, as expected, can be a sign of depression)
- It could be either sleeplessness or excessive sleeping.
- Either agitation or a marked slowing of conduct
- A feeling of exhaustion or a loss of energy
- Negative emotions, such as feelings of worthlessness, excessive guilt, or improper guilt.
- A diminished capacity for thought or concentration, or a lack of ability to make a decision
- Having suicidal thoughts, making plans for it, or making an attempt
Other Features of Bipolar Disorder
Other characteristics, such as anxious distress, melancholy, psychosis, or others, may also be present alongside the signs and symptoms of both bipolar I and bipolar II illnesses. The timing of symptoms might be used to diagnose conditions like mixed cycling or quick cycling. In addition, symptoms of bipolar disorder may appear during pregnancy or shift from one season to the next.
Manifestations in Young Children and Adolescents
It can be challenging to recognize the symptoms of bipolar illness in young children and adolescents. It is frequently difficult to identify whether these are regular ups and downs, the results of stress or trauma, or the indicators of a mental health problem other than bipolar disorder. Normal ups and downs are characterized by periods of elation followed by periods of depression.
It is possible for children and teenagers to have a major depressive disorder, mania, or hypomania, although the pattern of these episodes may differ from what is seen in adults with bipolar disorder. And one’s disposition can change suddenly between episodes. Between episodes, there may be times when certain children do not exhibit any mood signs.
Extreme mood swings that are not like the individual’s typical mood swings are one of the most obvious symptoms that a child or adolescent may be suffering from the mental illness known as bipolar disorder.
When Should One Go to the Doctor?
People who suffer from bipolar disorder frequently fail to comprehend the extent to which their emotional instability disrupts not just their own lives but also the lives of their loved ones, and as a result, they do not seek the necessary therapy for their condition.
And if you have bipolar disorder, like some other individuals who have it, you can find the euphoric sensations and the cycles of being more productive and enjoyable. The euphoria, however, is always followed by an emotional collapse that can leave you miserable, exhausted, and possibly in difficulty financially, legally, or in your relationships. This fall always comes after the euphoria.
Visit your primary care physician or a mental health professional if you experience any symptoms consistent with depression or mania. Bipolar disorder doesn’t get better on its own. You may be able to bring your symptoms under control by seeking therapy from a mental health professional who has prior experience working with people who have bipolar illness.
When to Get Emergency Aid
Individuals who suffer from bipolar disorder frequently struggle with suicidal ideation and conduct. If you are having thoughts of injuring yourself in any way, you should immediately phone 911 or your local emergency number, go to an emergency room, or talk to a relative or friend who you can trust. You could also phone a suicide prevention helpline; in the United States, the number to call is 1-800-273-TALK for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255).
Make sure that someone stays with a loved one who has attempted suicide or is at risk of taking their own life and has expressed a desire to end their own life. Please dial 911 or your area’s emergency number as soon as possible. Alternately, if you believe you can get the individual to the emergency department of the nearest hospital safely, do so.
Bipolar Types FAQs
What are the five types of bipolar?
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) currently recognizes five types of the mood disorder known as bipolar disorder. These types are as follows: bipolar I disorder, bipolar II disorder, cyclothymic disorder, other specified bipolar and related disorders, and unspecified bipolar and related disorders.
Are you born with bipolar?
Approximately 80 percent of the cause of bipolar disorder can be attributed to genetic causes. Bipolar illness is the most likely psychiatric condition to be inherited. If a parent has bipolar disorder, there is a 10% chance that their child may also get the condition.
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