Do you feel incredibly happy, excited, and energetic some days? But then other days, you feel so down that you can't even get out of bed? This sudden ups and downs in your emotions can be like riding a roller coaster. This condition is simply called Bipolar Disorder. It used to be called Manic Depression .
This is not just a few mood swings. This condition can have a major impact on your daily life, work, schoolwork, and even your relationships with family and friends. Therefore, knowing exactly what type of bipolar disorder you have is the first and most important step in getting the right treatment.
How is bipolar disorder classified?
Bipolar disorder is mainly classified by the intensity of the mood swings, or highs, you experience. These "highs" have two medical names.
1. Mania : This is a state of heightened emotional excitement. During this time, you may feel high energy, have trouble sleeping, talk nonstop, make impulsive decisions, and engage in risky behaviors. This is a very severe and difficult to control condition.
2. Hypomania: This is a milder, more euphoric state than mania. Although it is milder, it can still affect your life. Others may notice a change in your behavior, but it is not as severe as in mania and requires hospitalization.
The most important thing is that these highs are alternated with depressive periods. Now let's look at the main types of bipolar disorder according to these characteristics.
Main types of bipolar disorder
There are several main types of bipolar disorder. Your doctor will determine exactly which type you have based on your symptoms.
| Bipolar type | Key features simply |
|---|---|
| Bipolar I Disorder | This is the most severe form of bipolar disorder. You must have had at least one episode of severe mania in your lifetime. This mania can be very severe and dangerous. Depression can come and go. |
| Bipolar II Disorder | This is similar to bipolar I, but there are no episodes of severe mania . Instead, there are episodes of hypomania , which are mildly excited episodes. Also, there must be one or more episodes of major depression . Bipolar II is not a milder version of I, but a separate diagnosis. |
| Cyclothymic Disorder | This is a rare type. The highs and lows are not as severe as in bipolar I and II. However, the condition can last for a long time, such as two years . There are alternating periods of hypomania and depression. This condition can later develop into bipolar I or II. |
Special situations in addition to these types
Sometimes your doctor may add a few more specific words in addition to your diagnosis.
- With Mixed Features: This is when you experience both mania and depression at the same time. Imagine, you feel incredibly energetic, can't sleep, but at the same time you feel very sad, hopeless, and bored with life. This is when these contradictory feelings come together.
- With a Seasonal Pattern: Some people may experience these bipolar symptoms only at certain times of the year. For example, they may experience depression during the cold, rainy seasons (fall/winter). They may also experience mania or hypomania during the warm, sunny seasons (spring/summer). This is different from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) , which can sometimes be a subtype of bipolar disorder.
- With Rapid Cycling: This means that you have at least four or more episodes of mania, hypomania, or depression in a 12-month period . Sometimes these mood swings can occur within a few days. If you have four episodes in a month, it is called "ultra-rapid cycling." This is more common in women.
- Unspecified Bipolar Disorder: If your symptoms don't fit neatly into any of the categories above, but you have clear signs of bipolar disorder, your doctor may diagnose you with this condition. This means you need help and treatment .
What should I do?
If you suspect that you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, the best thing to do is to see a doctor, especially a psychiatrist , immediately.
Please do not self-diagnose or make decisions based on what you read online. Only a qualified doctor can accurately diagnose this and provide you with a treatment plan that is right for you.
With the right treatment (medication and counseling), bipolar disorder is a condition that can be well-managed and lead a successful and happy life. So, never be afraid to ask for help.
Take-Home Message
- Bipolar isn't just a mood swing, it's a real medical condition that requires treatment .
- There are several main types of this illness (Bipolar I, Bipolar II, Cyclothymia), and they are identified based on the nature of the mania/hypomania episodes that occur.
- If you have these symptoms, be sure to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis.
- With the right diagnosis and treatment plan, it is entirely possible to manage bipolar disorder and live a normal life.
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