Types of Bipolar Disorder
There are four primary varieties of bipolar disorder, and each type differs from the others based on the pattern of manic and depressive episodes. Likewise, the treatment for each form of bipolar disorder varies according to the severity of the patient’s symptoms.
Here is a breakdown of the four categories of bipolar disorder:
Bipolar I illness
Bipolar I disorder is the most severe form of bipolar disorder, and its diagnosis requires the presence of manic episodes and psychotic characteristics. The symptoms of bipolar I disorder may last at least seven days and are severe enough to necessitate hospitalization or emergency medical attention. Patients with bipolar I disorder may experience manic episodes with certain depressive features, and the depressive episodes typically last at least two weeks in addition to certain manic features.
Bipolar disorder II
Bipolar II disorder is devoid of psychosis. However, the disorder is characterized by recurrent episodes of hypomania and depression. There exists a milder form of mania characterized by recurrent episodes of hypomania and depression. A patient must have at least one major depressive episode and one hypomanic episode in his lifespan in order to be accurately diagnosed with bipolar II disorder. A severe depressive episode occurs frequently in bipolar II disorder, but it is not required. Among the most common symptoms of a severe depressive episode are the following:
recurring suicidal or death-minded fantasies
Extreme exhaustion
Insomnia or hypersomnia
Loss of interest in typically enjoyable activities
Crying that is uncontrollable or unexplained
Cyclothymic manic-depressive disorder
Cyclothymic bipolar disorder is the mildest form of bipolar disorder, characterized by cyclical episodes of mood swings. However, the lows and highs associated with bipolar disorder do not meet the criteria for either severe depression or mania. The onset of cyclothymic disorder occurs during adolescence, and although cyclothymic disorder patients frequently function routinely, they may appear difficult or irritable to others. Patients with cyclothymic disorder may not seek medical assistance or treatment if their mood fluctuations are not severe enough to interfere with daily life. However, if the patient does not seek treatment, the symptoms of cyclothymic disorder may worsen, resulting in extreme manic or depressive episodes.
Bipolar disorder attributable to other causes
Some patients may develop bipolar disorder due to substance misuse or another health condition. Due to other medical concerns or substance abuse, there is no specific pattern of bipolar disorder, nor are the symptoms identical to those of the other three bipolar disorders. However, there are still similarities, such as aberrant mood swings and behavioral issues. Bipolar disorder is caused by substance addiction and medical disease, among other characteristics.
Patients may experience episodes of mania accompanied by depressive symptoms, while still feeling relatively stable. In terms of severity, the symptoms may differ with time.
Similar to cyclothymic disorder, a patient may experience moderate hypomanic symptoms that last less than two years.
The symptoms depend on the severity of the medical condition and the quantity of alcohol or drug consumption.
