Types of Bipolar Disorder
There are several types of bipolar disorder, each with unique features, durations, and patterns of mood episodes. The major types recognized by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), include:
Bipolar I Disorder
Bipolar I disorder is usually what people mean when referencing Bipolar. This disorder is characterized by the occurrence of at least one manic episode lasting for a minimum of seven days or requiring hospitalization. These episodes are often preceded or followed by depressive episodes lasting two weeks or more.
Manic episodes looks like this: inflated self esteem, decreased need for sleep, talking rapidly, racing thoughts, high levels of energy or irritability, starting new goals/projects, and acting impulsively (unsafe sex, drinking, drugs, spending lots of money, or risk taking).
Depressive episodes look like this: trouble sleeping, feeling very tired, decreased energy, low mood, lack of interest in hobbies, changes in appetite, low self esteem or suicidal thoughts.
Bipolar II Disorder
Bipolar II disorder involves a pattern of depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes—less severe forms of mania that don’t require hospitalization and last at least four days. Unlike Bipolar I, individuals with Bipolar II never experience full-blown manic episodes, however, their depressive episodes are often more frequent and debilitating.
Hypomanic episodes looks like this: unusually elevated mood, increased productivity or creativity, mild risk taking, or distractibility.
Cyclothymic Disorder (Cyclothymia)
Cyclothymic disorder, or cyclothymia, is a milder form of bipolar disorder. It involves frequent mood swings between hypomanic symptoms and depressive symptoms that do not meet the criteria for a full manic or depressive episode. People with cyclothymia may experience rapid mood changes over weeks or months, but the mood swings are less severe than those seen in Bipolar I or II. However, these mood swings can still be disruptive to their personal and professional lives.
Mixed Bipolar Disorder
In some cases, a person may experience symptoms of bipolar disorder that do not clearly fit into one of the established categories (Bipolar I, II, or Cyclothymic). For example, someone might have mixed symptoms of depression and mania simultaneously, or experience rapid cycling of moods without meeting the specific duration or severity criteria for Bipolar I or II. Individuals with mixed episodes may feel emotionally volatile, struggling with both racing thoughts and overwhelming sadness.
Rapid Cycling Bipolar
Rapid cycling refers to the frequency of mood episodes within a 12-month period. Although rapid cycling is not a distinct type of bipolar disorder on its own, it can occur in both Bipolar I and Bipolar II disorders. People with rapid cycling experience four or more mood episodes (either manic, hypomanic, or depressive) within a year. This can significantly impact a person’s quality of life and complicate treatment.
