Those of you who are new to the world of bipolar disorder may think that there is only one kind.  However, there are five different spectrums of bipolar disorder, with each having its own symptoms and more.  To help give you a better idea, we have gathered the five different types of bipolar disorder below.

1. Bipolar Disorder Type I – This type of bipolar disorder is most notably marked by at least one episode of mania and/or depression per year.  These periods can last anywhere from one week to months at a time.  Additional symptoms of bipolar disorder type I include insomnia, disconnected thoughts, hallucinations, mood swings, violent behavior, and many others.

2. Bipolar Disorder Type II – Those with this type of bipolar disorder have less severe symptoms than those above.  They often experience what is called hypomania, or a milder form of mania.  Because the mania feels normal, patients who have it can sometimes think they are cured and go off their medications. The highs are also generally not as high as with type I.

3. Bipolar Disorder Cyclothymia – Even milder than above, those with cyclothymia type bipolar disorder may not even know they have it.  However, because periods of depression and mania can last for so long, it can be a while before they seek help.  It is also important to address this early, as it can become a more serious type of bipolar disorder.

4. Bipolar Disorder Rapid Cycling – The disease is just as the name sounds.  It involves those who experience bouts of mania a or depression on four separate occasions in one year. To compare, those with another bipolar disorder can experience a total of eight to ten bouts of mania/depression over a lifetime.

5. Bipolar Disorder Mixed – Also like the above, this is a type of bipolar disorder that is just like it sounds.  While those with other forms of bipolar disorder go from mania to depression or vice versa, someone with mixed bipolar disorder can have several bouts of mania or depression continuously.

Chelsea Smith is a psychiatry student who writes for How to Become a Psychiatrist which helps others on the path to becoming a mental health professional.

 

 

 

Filed under: Bipolar Types

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