Understanding Bipolar Disorder: Types, Symptoms, and Diagnosis

Bipolar disorder significantly affects mood, involving emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). Previously known as manic depression, it impacts about 1% of the global population. Gaining insight into bipolar disorder empowers affected individuals and their loved ones. This article discusses the disorder’s types, symptoms, and diagnostic approaches.

Types of Bipolar Disorder

There are several distinct types of bipolar disorder:

1. Bipolar I Disorder: This type features manic episodes lasting at least seven days or severe manic symptoms requiring hospital care. Depressive episodes usually occur as well, often lasting two weeks.
2. Bipolar II Disorder: Here, milder hypomania episodes alternate with severe depression.
3. Cyclothymic Disorder (Cyclothymia): This involves periods of hypomanic and depressive symptoms over two years (or one year in children and adolescents). These symptoms, however, do not fully meet the criteria for hypomanic or depressive episodes.
4. Other Specified and Unspecified Bipolar and Related Disorders: This category includes symptoms that don’t fully align with the above types.

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

Symptoms vary based on the mood phase:

• Manic episodes feature:
  • High energy and euphoria
  • Feeling jumpy or wired
  • Increased activity or agitation
  • Enhanced self-confidence
  • Less need for sleep
  • Excessive talking
  • Racing thoughts
  • Easily distracted
  • Often poor decision-making
• Depressive episodes feature:
  • Feelings of sadness or hopelessness
  • Low interest in activities
  • Significant weight change or appetite shift
  • Sleep issues
  • Restlessness or slow behavior
  • Fatigue
  • Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
  • Reduced concentration
  • Thoughts of death or suicide

Diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder

Diagnosing bipolar disorder involves several steps:

• Psychiatric Assessment: Doctors review psychiatric history and may use assessment tools. Learn more about what to expect during these evaluations on our Understanding Psychiatric Evaluations page.
• Physical Examination: This helps exclude other illnesses.
• Mood Charting: Recording daily moods and sleep patterns assists in diagnosis. See our Mood Charting Tools page for resources.
• Diagnostic Criteria: Diagnosis requires meeting specific criteria from the DSM-5.

Understanding bipolar disorder’s types, symptoms, and diagnosis is essential for effective treatment. Early treatment helps individuals lead productive lives. If you or someone you know shows symptoms, seek professional help. For more information, visit the National Institute of Mental Health’s bipolar disorder page.This revised version maintains clarity while adhering to the requirement to limit the number of long sentences.