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There are three main types of bipolar disorder: bipolar I, bipolar II, and cyclothymic disorder. These disorders may include symptoms of mania or hypomania and depression. These symptoms can cause mood swings and abrupt changes in behavior, which may result in difficulty functioning in everyday life.
Understanding Bipolar Symptoms
With bipolar disorder, symptoms of mania or depression typically last for several days or more. According to the National Health Service “if you have bipolar disorder, you may have episodes of depression more regularly than episodes of mania, or vice versa. Between episodes of depression and mania, you may sometimes have periods where you are in a ‘normal’ mood, but the patterns are not always the same.”
Some people experience rapid cycling with bipolar disorder, where an individual swings from extreme highs to extreme lows very quickly. Individuals may also experience a mixed state:
“Where a person experiences symptoms of depression and mania together; for example, overactivity with a depressed mood.”
National Health Service
There are unique and overlapping symptoms for each type, and understanding the type you have can make all the difference in formulating a treatment plan.
Bipolar I Symptoms
In the case of bipolar I disorder, you have at least one manic episode that may come before or after a hypomanic (a lesser form of mania) or major depressive episode. In rare cases, mania may trigger psychosis.
For manic episodes, symptoms can include:
- Sudden changes in thought
- Rapid or loud speech
- Increased energy, with hyperactivity and a decreased need for sleep
- Inflated self-image
- Excessive spending
- Hypersexuality
- Substance abuse
Bipolar II Symptoms
In bipolar II disorder, you experience many more depressive episodes and hypomania but never full-blown manic episodes. According to the Mayo Clinic, “Bipolar II disorder is not a milder form of bipolar I disorder, but a separate diagnosis. While the manic episodes of bipolar I disorder can be severe and dangerous, individuals with bipolar II disorder can be depressed for longer periods, which can cause significant impairment.”
Symptoms of depressed mood for bipolar II can include:
- Feeling down, sad, or anxious
- Feeling low on energy and activity
- Having few interests and getting little pleasure from activities
- Having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
- Having trouble concentrating or making decisions
- Loss of appetite or increased appetite
- Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
- Thoughts of suicide
Symptoms of Cyclothymic Disorder
In the case of cyclothymic disorder, symptoms include at least two years of multiple periods of hypomania and periods of depression, though the symptoms are not considered as severe as mania or major depression.
What to Do When Experiencing Bipolar Symptoms
If you or someone you know is suffering from bipolar disorder, seek professional help. Medications and talk therapy are proven to help people with bipolar disorder to manage their symptoms and lead normal, functional lives.
