Bipolar disorder is divided into several subtypes. Each has a different pattern of symptoms. Types of bipolar disorder include:
The exact symptoms of bipolar disorder vary from person to person. For some people, depression causes the most problems; for other people, manic symptoms are the main concern. Symptoms of depression and symptoms of mania or hypomania may also occur together. This is known as a mixed episode.
- Bipolar I disorder. Mood swings with bipolar I cause significant difficulty in your job, school or relationships. Manic episodes can be severe and dangerous.
- Bipolar II disorder. Bipolar II is less severe than bipolar I. You may have an elevated mood, irritability and some changes in your functioning, but generally you can carry on with your normal daily routine. Instead of full-blown mania, you have hypomania — a less severe form of mania. In bipolar II, periods of depression typically last longer than periods of hypomania.
- Cyclothymic disorder. Cyclothymic disorder, also known as cyclothymia, is a mild form of bipolar disorder. With cyclothymia, hypomania and depression can be disruptive, but the highs and lows are not as severe as they are with other types of bipolar disorder.
Personally, I'm sort of hoping I'm in the Bipolar II realm. Being Bipolar II vs. Bipolar I is like saying I have a drinking problem vs. being an alcoholic. However, the treatment is pretty much the same. I'd strive for a cyclotyhymic disorder label but I cannot remember that term, and it sounds like a growth on your altoids or lingus, or wherever.
Bipolar treatment generally involves taking medications and going to mental health counseling (psychotherapy) — whether you have bipolar I or bipolar II. Both bipolar I and bipolar II disorders have several subtypes.
