Bipolar disorder causes unusual shifts in moods and energy. Someone with bipolar disorder may go from feelings of depression to suddenly feeling overjoyed and enthusiastic. The disorder is also called manic-depressive illness. The depressed state can cause long periods of sadness. The manic phase can lead to overly ambitious activities and unrealistic plans. The different types of bipolar disorder are based on the severity of the symptoms and on which symptoms occur more often.
Bipolar Disorder I
People with bipolar disorder I have a mixture of manic or depressive episodes. Sometimes both mania and depression occur at the same time. The manic and depressive episodes usually follow a regular pattern, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). A manic episode can precede or follow a depressive phase, but it usually happens the same way. Both episodes are more severe than the other categories of bipolar disorder. The manic phases are marked by such behavior as recklessness, unnecessary spending or sudden travel. If left untreated, the manic episodes can last for weeks or months. And the depressive phase can go on for six months to a year.
Bipolar Disorder II
Bipolar disorder II patients usually exhibit more depressive symptoms. There may be manic symptoms, such as feelings of euphoria, but the episodes don't last as long and are less severe. There are no full-blown manic episodes, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). They are able to function well between depressive episodes, but people with bipolar disorder II may have shorter periods of being well in between episodes. They are also at risk for suicidal tendencies.
Cyclothymic Disorder
Cyclothymic disorder is not considered as severe of a disorder as Bipolar I and II. Patients exhibit more signs of irritability rather than euphoria during the manic periods. Bipolar disorder I usually exhibits both irritability and euphoria. An episode of cyclothymic disorder may last as long as two months. It may develop into bipolar disorder, or it may remain a chronic condition.
Bipolar Disorder with Rapid Cycling
People who experience four or more manic or depressive episodes within a year are considered to have bipolar disorder with rapid cycling, the UMMC says. The mood swings shift rapidly from one episode to another within several days or hours. It is usually a temporary condition that may occur with any kind of bipolar disorder.
Bipolar Disorder NOS
A person with symptoms that do no fit into other categories has bipolar disorder not otherwise specified (BD-NOS), the NIMH says. There may be too few symptoms or the symptoms may not last very long. But the person exhibits symptoms that are unlike his or her normal patterns.
