Types of Bipolar Disorders

This video provides a detailed explanation of the four basic types of bipolar disorder: Bipolar I, Bipolar II, Cyclothymic disorder, and Bipolar Disorder Not Otherwise Specified. It discusses the symptoms, diagnosis, and experiences associated with each type.

There are four basic types of bipolar disorder, but the experience of each type is different for every individual. Bipolar I is diagnosed when a person has one or more manic episodes, with or without a depressive episode. The manic episode will often last for an extended period of time, at least seven days. Most people with Bipolar I will also have at least one depressive episode. However, a depressive episode is not always necessary for diagnosis. Bipolar I sometimes includes symptoms such as hallucinations or delusions. Bipolar II is diagnosed when a person has one or more depressive episodes and at least one hypomanic episode, or a lesser intense manic episode. Bipolar II is sometimes misdiagnosed as depression, as depressive symptoms may be the major symptom at the time the person seeks medical attention. Cyclothymic disorder, or cyclothymia, is another type of bipolar disorder that is defined as a longer-term unstable mood characterized by numerous periods of lower intensity manic symptoms and numerous periods of mild depressive symptoms. These symptoms and cycles last for at least two years, or one year in children and adolescents. The symptoms may fall short of meeting the severity requirements for being labeled as a hypomanic or depressive episode, but they still cause significant distress. The fourth type of bipolar disorder we'll talk about is known as Bipolar Disorder Not Otherwise Specified. This is a type of bipolar disorder that does not follow a particular pattern and is defined by bipolar disorder symptoms that do not match the three previous categories. It includes those who still have experienced clinically significant levels and