Different Types of Bipolar Disorders
Stages of Bipolar Disorder
Different Types in Bipolar Disorder
1. Bipolar
I Disorder
Bipolar I disorder (pronounced “bipolar one” and also known
as manic depression). A person affected by bipolar I disorder has had at least
one manic episode in his or her life. A manic episode is a period of abnormally
elevated mood, accompanied by abnormal behavior that disrupts life. Most people
with bipolar I disorder also suffer from episodes of depression. Often, there
is a pattern of cycling between mania and depression. This is where the term
“manic depression” comes from. In between episodes of mania and depression,
many people with bipolar I disorder can live normal lives.
2. Bipolar
II Disorder
Bipolar II disorder (pronounced “bipolar two”). Bipolar II
is similar to bipolar I disorder, with moods cycling between high and low over
time. However, in bipolar II disorder, the “up” moods never reach full-on
mania. The less-intense elevated moods in bipolar II disorder are called hypomanic
episodes, or hypomania. A person affected by bipolar II disorder has had at
least one hypomanic episode in life. Most people with bipolar II disorder also
suffer from episodes of depression. This is where the term “manic depression”
comes from. In between episodes of hypomania and depression, many people with
bipolar II disorder live normal lives.
3. Cyclothymia
Cyclothymia — or cyclothymic disorder — is a relatively mild
mood disorder. In cyclothymic disorder, moods swing between short periods of
mild depression and hypomania, an elevated mood. The low and high mood swings
never reach the severity of major depression or mania. Cyclothymia is a
“bipolar-like” illness. People with cyclothymic disorder have milder symptoms
than in full-blown bipolar disorder.
4. Mixed
Bipolar Disorder
In most forms of bipolar disorder, moods alternate between
elevated and depressed over time. A person with mixed bipolar disorder
experiences both mood “poles” —mania and depression — simultaneously or in
rapid sequence.
5. Rapid-Cycling
Bipolar Disorder
Characterized by four or more mood episodes that occur
within a 12-month period. Some people experience multiple episodes within a
single week, or even within a single day. Rapid cycling tends to develop later
in the course of illness. Women are more likely than men to have rapid cycling.
A rapid-cycling pattern increases risk for severe depression and suicide
attempts.
Antidepressants are thought to trigger and prolong rapid
cycling in bipolar disorder. However, that theory is controversial and is still
being studied.
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