More than two million people in the United States currently live with manic-depression--known also as bipolar--according to Psychology Information Online. The main characteristics of manic depression are the extreme mood swings one experiences. More than one type of manic depression exists, all with their own traits and patterns specific to the individual.
Bipolar I
Bipolar I is the classic manic depressive form of this illness, according to the website Help Guide. Those who suffer from this type experience one or more manic episodes every day for at least one week. One or more mixed episodes may also occur during this time frame, and these episodes result in a combination of both mania and depressive symptoms.
The National Institute of Mental Health adds that a person may also receive a diagnosis if he requires immediate hospital care due to the severity of his manic episodes. In addition, he typically experiences periods of depression lasting a minimum of two weeks.
Bipolar II
While Bipolar I consists mainly of manic or mixed episodes, Bipolar II is identified by the symptoms of depression or hypomania. HealthyPlace describes hypomania as similar to manic episodes, just less severe. While manic episodes cause one to become euphoric, feel invincible and lose touch with reality, episodes of hypomania cause its sufferer to appear in a good mood without losing her ability to function daily.
The National Institute of Mental Health states that for a person to receive a clinical diagnosis, she must show a distinct pattern of depressive episodes that shift back and forth with hypomania episodes. No full-blown manic episodes evolve from her moments of hypomania.
Cyclothymic Disorder
Cyclothymic disorder is a mild form of bipolar, and its symptoms--which shift back and forth from mild depression to hypomania--last for a minimumm of two years, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. The periods of hypomania and depression are both shorter and less severe than the symptoms of either Bipolar I or II, and do not occur on a regular basis. These symptoms can still interfere with a person's professional and personal life, and may eventually develop into a more severe form of bipolar.
Bipolar Not Otherwise Specified
Healthy Place explains that bipolar not otherwise specified does not meet the criteria of Bipolar I, II or cyclothymic disorder. The episodes vary according to each person; one episode may be manic, and another episode may be depression. These episodes, however, do not meet the clinical criteria for the other types of bipolar.
The National Institute of Mental Health adds that in most cases, the symptoms are too few and do not last as long as the symptoms of the other types. It is obvious though, that the person is not himself. Healthy Place states it is still a treatable condition.
