All of the mental health diagnoses under the umbrella of bipolar disorders are characterized by intense highs and lows which are known by mental health professionals as mania, hypomania and major depression. Diagnoses are dependent on the amount, intensity and length of manic, hypomanic and major depressive episodes. Treatments for bipolar disorders include hospitalization, medication, therapy and electroconvulsive therapy. These disorders usually require long-term treatment that can last a lifetime.
Bipolar I Disorder
Bipolar I disorder is diagnosed when someone experiences manic or mixed episodes for at least seven days. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of manic episodes include an elevated mood, irritability, little need for sleep, partaking in risky behaviors, racing thoughts, restlessness and increased sense of self. Many people who suffer from bipolar I disorder also have periods of major depression in which they feel sad, hopeless and worthless, have thoughts of suicide, have trouble concentrating, have issues with eating and sleeping and experience a loss of pleasure. Bipolar I disorder is the most serious disorder among the bipolar disorders. It can result in a psychiatric hospitalization and problems with the law due to risky behaviors such as drinking and driving and fighting and thoughts of suicide.
Bipolar II Disorder
This disorder is less severe than bipolar I disorder, because people with this disorder have hypomanic episodes instead of manic episodes. Someone suffering from a hypomanic episode will have the same symptoms as someone having a manic episode; however, the symptoms will be less intense. Someone having a manic episode is more likely to break laws such as driving at high speeds and taking large amounts of illegal drugs than someone having a hypomanic episode. Manic episodes are much more likely to result in psychiatric hospitalizations than hypomanic episodes. Someone with bipolar II disorder also has periods of major depression with the same signs and symptoms as described above.
Cyclothymic Disorder
The National Institute of Mental Health reports that this disorder is milder than bipolar I disorder and bipolar II disorder. Someone with this disorder would experience changes between hypomania and mild depression that impact her ability to be successful at work and make and maintain healthy relationships over a period of at least two years. You would not be given this diagnosis if you met the criteria for bipolar I or II disorder.
Bipolar Disorder Not Otherwise Specified
Bipolar Disorder NOS is the diagnosis given to people who don't meet the criteria for one of the above diagnoses; however, the person is experiencing some of the symptoms of hypomania, mania or depression and is significantly impacted by the symptoms on a regular basis. Someone given this diagnosis might eventually receive one of the above diagnoses after meeting all of the criteria over time.
