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 Living With Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar Types Bipolar I disorder Someone with Bipolar I has episodes of mania. Mania is a severe upward mood swing characterized by an elevated mood typically contributing to grandiose ideas. Other symptoms of mania are increased talkativeness, decreased needs for sleep, racing thoughts, increased goal-directed activity, and impulsive, pleasurable behavior. The episodes of mania may be followed by episodes of depression.Bipolar II disorder Bipolar II is characterized by episodes of depression and milder manic episodes, called hypomania. Episodes of hypomania have a shorter duration and have less severe symptoms than mania.Bipolar III Disorder This is not an official diagnosis, but it is sometimes used to categorize manic episodes caused by the use of antidepressant medication.Cyclothymic disorder Cyclothymic disorder is characterized by alternating episodes of mild depression and hypomania.Mixed bipolar disorder With mixed bipolar disorder, both mania and depression are ocurring at the same time.Rapid-cycling bipolar disorder Rapid-cycling bipolar disorder is the occurance of four or more mood episodes within a 12-month period. |