5 Ways to Recognize Different Forms of Bipolar Disorder

1. Recognize Rapid Cycling Bipolar Disorder

Some people with bipolar disorder switch from manic to depressed and back again with startling frequency. While rapid cycling bipolar disorder is technically classified as having at least four mood changes within a year, many people with this type of bipolar disorder actually change moods several times a week, or even in a day. People with this type of bipolar disorder have a higher incidence of extreme depression and suicidal thoughts.

2. Recognize Mixed Bipolar Disorder

People with mixed bipolar disorder actually have both manic and depressive feelings at the same time. They're energetic, they feel powerful and creative and experience racing thoughts and feelings of invulnerability. However, they also feel angry, irritable and pessimistic. People with mixed bipolar disorder may be more likely to engage in dangerous behavior.

3. Recognize Type I Bipolar Disorder

People with Type I bipolar disorder have the characteristic mood swings between manic and depressive that are the hallmark of this disorder. They may experience long periods of time where they're either manic or depressive, and usually don't change moods often. However, in order to be diagnosed as having bipolar disorder, it's only necessary for a person to have had at least one manic episode. There doesn't have to have been an episode of depression in order to effect the diagnosis. Most people with Type I bipolar disorder, however, do experience both manic and depressive episodes.

4. Recognize Type II Bipolar Disorder

People with Type II bipolar disorder have much milder episodes of mania than those with Type I. The type of mania experienced in Type II bipolar disorder is called hypomania, and it's so mild that it's often mistaken for simple cheerfulness. In order to bring about the diagnosis of Type II bipolar disorder, however, at least one major depressive episode must have occurred, in addition to one or more episodes of hypomania.

5. Recognize Cyclothymia

People with cyclothymia have frequent, alternating episodes of mild mania and mild depression. In fact, the episodes of mania and depression are often so mild that outside observers just chalk them up to personality quirks. In order to be diagnosed as denoting cyclothymia, and therefore a problem, these mild episodes must interfere with the way you function in your daily activities.