Types of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a lifelong illness and if left untreated the ups and downs associated with it can be devastating. There is always a recurring manic and depressive episode that makes it nearly difficult for a person to lead a normal and stable life.

The types of bipolar disorder commonly seen are:

·         Bipolar 1 – a classic form of the disorder it is associated with one or more manic episodes or mixed episodes and one or more major depressive episodes. This is the most sever form of illness.

·         Bipolar 2 – it is a milder form of where there are milder episodes of hypomania alternating with that of the episode of depression. This is diagnosed after one or more major depressive episodes and at least one hypomanic episode and one major depressive episode.

·         Cyclothymic disorder – this is even a milder form of bipolar disorder where there are several hypomanic episodes alternating with less severe episodes of depression. In this type the high and lows of mood swings are not that great to qualify it as mania or depression.

·         Rapid cycling – this is diagnosed when there are 4 or more episodes of mania, hypomania and depression in a 12-month period.

Whatever be the type there is bipolar treatment for patients to give them a healthy life.