The Different Types of Bipolar Disorder

There are 4 basic types of bipolar disorder.

1. Bipolar I – This is the most severe form of bipolar disorder. People with bipolar I will typically experience severe mania and serious depression. Psychotic delusions are sometimes experienced in the manic phase and patients will often need restraint and hospitalization for their own safety during a severe manic phase. Episodes must last for at least a week to meet the criteria for bipolar 1, but more typically last for 4 or 5 months. Manic or depressive episodes are sometimes interrupted by periods of wellness.
2. Bipolar II – This milder form of the disorder is characterized by serious depressive episodes alternating with only occasional and moderate mania, known as hypomania. People experiencing a hypomanic state will not experience delusional thoughts or psychosis. Hypomania is a very pleasurable state; so much so that people will sometimes discontinue medication to experience heightened hypomania. Although known as a milder form of the disorder, bipolar II is actually associated with a higher risk of suicide than bipolar I.
3. Cyclothymic Disorder – an again milder form of bipolar; people with cyclothymic disorder cycle slowly between moderate depression and mild hypomania, generally without experiencing a break of normal mood between the two polarities.
4. Rapid Cycling Bipolar Disorder – A person who cycles through 4 or more episodes of mania, hypomania or depression per year has a condition called rapid cycling bipolar disorder. In some cases, cycling may even occur day by day or even within a matter of hours. People who experience an early age of onset or very severe symptoms are more at risk for rapid cycling bipolar.