7 Subtypes of Bipolar Disorder
Most people have some understanding of what Bipolar Disorder is - a cycling of mood from extreme highs to lows. The disorder has seen some recent depictions in movies and TV like Shameless and Silver Linings Playbook, and these projects have brought the condition some much-needed awareness. But did you know that there are actually at least seven diagnosed types of bipolar? Or that multiple mood shifts a year is actually abnormal for bipolar? Let’s dig below the surface and discuss all things bipolar disorder.
All bipolar disorders are characterized by experiencing both depressive episodes and manic or hypomanic episodes (hypomania is less severe and shorter in duration than mania). Symptoms of the depressive episodes include:
Feeling sad, upset, and/or tearful.
Uninterested or unmotivated to do things you usually enjoy.
Difficulty concentrating.
Guilt and hopelessness.
Low self-esteem.
Self-destructive thoughts and/or behaviors.
Symptoms of mania and hypomania include:
Happy, joyful, excited mood, feeling “high.”
Feeling like you need less sleep than usual and sleeping less.
Feeling like the words can’t keep up with your thoughts.
Risk-taking (often of a sexual or financial nature).
Feeling like you can perform tasks better than normal.
Feeling untouchable or invulnerable.
Irritability and agitation.
Now that we know the basics, let’s get into the different diagnoses in the bipolar family and the unique profile each presents.
Bipolar I, or “classic” bipolar, is diagnosed when someone has experienced a manic episode that lasted at least one week. Depressive episodes are common, but not always present.
Bipolar II is diagnosed when someone has experienced a hypomanic episode that lasted at least four days and at least one depressive episode. Manic symptoms can be severe and dangerous, and because hypomania is usually less disruptive to life, Bipolar II is considered less severe than Bipolar I. That being said, this condition still interferes with daily functioning and is serious in its own right.
Cyclothymia is diagnosed when someone has mood shifts that move further away from the baseline from normal, but do not qualify as full-blown mania/hypomania or depression under the diagnostic criteria. Cyclothymia may develop into Bipolar I or II over time.
Bipolar with Mixed Features is diagnosed when someone experiences mixed episodes, which is when depression and mania/hypomania occur at the same time or very quickly after one another.
Bipolar with Rapid Cycling is diagnosed when someone has experienced 4 or more episodes of depression, mania/hypomania, and/or mixed emotion within a year. Those with rapid cycling may experience episodes that last for days and weeks and typically feel stable for a few weeks before the next episode.
Bipolar with Seasonal Pattern describes someone who fits the profile of Bipolar I or II but their episodes follow a seasonal pattern (for example, someone might get depressive episodes in the winter and manic episodes in the spring).
Unspecified Bipolar is used when someone has symptoms that don't match the diagnostic criteria of the other disorders, but still experiences high/low mood fluctuations, putting them in the bipolar family.
All the bipolar family conditions are treatable and can be well-managed by medication and psychotherapy. That being said, untreated bipolar disorders, especially when in the manic state, can present dangerous situations. If you believe someone you love is currently in a manic state, you should call your doctor or take them to the emergency room right away. If you believe you or someone you love may have bipolar disorder, don’t wait - call an experienced provider like Answers Within Counseling to get an evaluation today.
References
Bipolar mood episodes and symptoms. Mind. (2022a, February). https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/bipolar-disorder/bipolar-moods-symptoms/
Types of bipolar disorder. Mind. (2022b, February). https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/bipolar-disorder/types-of-bipolar/
