If you are at imminent risk for self-harm please go to the Madison Memorial Emergency Room. For individuals who are at risk for harming themselves or are having a similar significant crisis, please text or call 988 to access the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Overview
Bipolar disorder is a mental health illness involving episodes of distinct changes in an individual's mood, energy, and activity levels over specific periods of time impacting one's ability to accomplish daily tasks. The shift in mood may be infrequent or may occur multiple times a year.
There are three types of Bipolar Disorder
- Bipolar I Disorder— Manic episodes lasting at least 7 days, or manic symptoms that are so severe that the person is hospitalized. The individual will likely have depressive episodes that last at least two weeks. Episodes of depression mixed with mania may also occur.
- Bipolar II Disorder— A pattern of depressive episodes and less intense manic symptoms that are referred to as hypomania.
- Cyclothymic Disorder (also called Cyclothymia)— Periods of hypomanic symptoms as well as periods of depressive symptoms lasting for at least 2 years and the symptoms do not meet the diagnostic requirements for a hypomanic episode and a depressive episode.
- *An individual may experience symptoms of bipolar that do not meet criteria of diagnosis of the above categories, this is then referred to as “other specified and unspecified bipolar and related disorders.”
Watch this short video describing the types of Bipolar Disorder.
Additional Resources
The following resources are not created, maintained, or controlled by BYU-Idaho and are intended to serve as an educational resource. BYU-Idaho does not endorse any content that is not in keeping with university policy or doctrines and teaching of the Church.
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
Mayo Clinic
Learn about what symptoms to watch for and when to seek professional help.
Learn about Symptoms and Help
Learn about Symptoms and Help