The Different Types of Bipolar Disorders

Individuals with bipolar disorder experience sporadic episodes of unusually high, expansive, or agitated moods that frequently alternate with depressive episodes.

There are multiple forms of bipolar disorder, despite what the general public believes. The presence, kind, frequency, and intensity of mood episodes characterise each of the five types of bipolar and related disorders, according to the American Psychiatric Association (APA).

What are mood episodes?

Periods of exceptionally high emotion, shifts in energy and activity levels, and odd behaviours are all possible in people with bipolar disorder. Mood episodes are these discrete times.

Three primary mood episodes characterise bipolar disorders:

Manic: You may experience extreme energy and happiness during a manic episode and occasionally unusual irritability or anger. You have an abundance of extra energy. For a diagnosis to be made, this phase usually needs to last at least one week.

Hypomanic: Hypomania refers to less severe manic episodes. It only takes four days to establish the diagnosis of hypomanic episodes.

Depressive: Five or more depressive symptoms almost every day that interfere with your functioning for at least two weeks is known as a major depressive episode.

In some instances, individuals may even exhibit symptoms of both mania and depression simultaneously or immediately after each other. We refer to this as a mixed episode.

Types of Bipolar Disorder

Psychologists use a person’s mood episodes’ type, duration, and severity to categorise bipolar disorder. A psychiatrist may diagnose you with one of five types of bipolar disorder, per the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5):

• Bipolar I disorder
• Bipolar II disorder
• Cyclothymic disorder
• Other specified bipolar and related disorders
• Unspecified bipolar and related disorder

Bipolar I disorder

You need to have gone through one or more manic episodes to be diagnosed with bipolar I disorder. These episodes must be severe enough to require hospitalisation or last for at least seven days.

Even though depressive episodes are common, they are not needed to make the diagnosis.

Bipolar II disorder

Episodes of both hypomania and depression are hallmarks of bipolar II disorder. Additionally, you must never have gone through a full-blown manic episode to be diagnosed with bipolar II.

Bipolar II disorder is not just bipolar I disorder on a smaller scale. It is a highly unique disorder.

Cyclothymic Disorder: Bipolar I vs. Bipolar II

This mood disorder, also known as cyclothymia, is characterised by recurrent periods of hypomanic and depressive symptoms.

The highs and lows of cyclothymia do not meet all the requirements for manic, hypomanic, or major depressive episodes, in contrast to bipolar I and II disorders. But for at least two years, these symptoms must be present for at least half of the time, with no more than two months of symptom-free time.

You must seek support even though the mood episodes are not as severe as those associated with bipolar disorder. In addition to interfering with your day-to-day functioning, these symptoms have the potential to progress into bipolar I or bipolar II disorder in the future.

Other specified bipolar and related disorders

When a person exhibits manic or depressive episodes and other bipolar symptoms but does not fall into another bipolar category, they are diagnosed with this type of bipolar disorder.

For example, you might experience hypomanic episodes without depressive episodes, or you might have cyclothymic symptoms that haven’t persisted for two years.

Unspecified bipolar and related disorder

Specific bipolar disorders and related disorders are similar to this diagnosis. In an emergency room, for example, it is used when a doctor lacks sufficient information to make a specific diagnosis.

Misdiagnoses

Perhaps the most often misdiagnosed mental health condition is bipolar disorder. It can be challenging to determine which type of bipolar disorder a person is experiencing at any given time.

Because bipolar disorders share symptoms with so many other conditions, they can also be challenging to diagnose. The following psychological disorders are frequently confused with bipolar disorder:

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other disorders overlap. While bipolar disorders are episodic, ADHD is a chronic condition that manifests from childhood. Additionally, while ADHD affects behaviour and attention, bipolar disorders primarily affect mood.

Borderline personality disorder:A primary distinction between these disorders is the duration of the mood swings associated with borderline personality disorder (BPD). While BPD mood swings are typically reactive to social situations and can last a few hours or days, bipolar mood cycles are persistent and can last for weeks or months.

Clinical depression: Major depressive disorder is unipolar, meaning it lacks mania or feeling “high,” but bipolar disorders can have depressive symptoms as well. If hypomanic or manic episodes have not yet manifested or have gone unnoticed, medical professionals may initially misdiagnose bipolar disorder as clinical depression.

Schizoaffective disorder: Manic and depressive episodes in bipolar disorder may include psychotic symptoms. Psychotic symptoms can also exist in schizoaffective disorder without a distinct mood episode.

The correct diagnosis is a crucial first step in receiving the appropriate care. The most crucial thing you can do to improve your chances of getting a proper diagnosis is to fully disclose all of your symptoms to a mental health professional.

Treatment

Mental health professionals typically treat bipolar disorder with medication and psychotherapy.

Medication

Most bipolar disorders can be stabilised with medication. The kind of medicine your doctor recommends will depend on the intensity of your symptoms.

Mood stabilisers are the mainstay of treatment for bipolar disorder mood episodes.

Doctors may prescribe antidepressants when bipolar disorder patients experience depressive episodes. They typically prescribe antidepressants in conjunction with a mood stabiliser and generally avoid using them in cases of bipolar I disorder due to their potential to cause manic episodes.

During a manic or depressive episode, if you exhibit psychotic symptoms, your doctor will probably prescribe an antipsychotic.

Finding the proper bipolar medication can be a time-consuming process. The majority of people with bipolar disorder take multiple medications.

Psychotherapy

You may also need psychotherapy, depending on your circumstances. According to research, taking medication along with psychotherapy can be more beneficial than taking medication only.

You can better understand and manage your illness with the support of psychotherapy. It can also assist you in strengthening your interpersonal relationship management skills.

It’s crucial to consult a doctor if you or someone you know is exhibiting bipolar disorder symptoms, who might want to rule out any possible physical conditions causing your symptoms.

A doctor might also advise that you visit a psychiatrist or other mental health professional for an evaluation. Be honest when discussing your actions, feelings, and anything else you observe. Honest and transparent communication is essential.

Coping with stigma

Like many mental health conditions, society often associates bipolar disorder with a certain stigma, which may make coping with the condition more difficult for you or your loved one.Make yourself aware that ignorance is a common cause of stigma.

If you or your loved one is experiencing any mental health issues, click www.hopetrustindia.com to book an appointment with an expert.