Learn about the different types of bipolar disorder and how they can affect others’ mood, energy, and activity levels of daily life.
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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.”
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National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Find helpful resources and information for yourself or others who may be bipolar.