What are the different types of Bipolar Disorders? by Robyn Tamanaha, LMFT

Bipolar disorders occur along a spectrum which is based upon the intensity of the symptoms, how long the symptoms last, and how much they interfere with major areas of a person’s life.

The Types of Bipolar Disorders

There are 3 major types of bipolar disorders, which include Bipolar I, Bipolar II, and Cyclothymia. Bipolar I and Bipolar II have some similarities and differences; whereas Cyclothymia has very different requirements from both Bipolar I and Bipolar II.

What are the symptoms of an episode?

Before delving into the different bipolar spectrum disorders, it’s helpful to know the symptoms for the types of episodes that occur.

A manic or hypomanic episode includes a noticeable change that is uncharacteristic of at least 3 of the following:

• Very irritable mood

• Extreme increase in energy

• Extreme increase in self-esteem or change in appearance

• Does not feel like they need sleep or can function with only a few hours of sleep and is not tired the next morning

• Pressure to talk, or others having a hard time keeping up with what the person is saying

• Has so many thoughts that it’s difficult to keep track of them

• Easily distracted by stimuli or goes from task to task

• Increased desire to get things done, be productive, or has goal-directed ideas

• Does things that have the potential for risk or negative consequences

A depressive episode includes at least two weeks of the following:

• Feeling sad, down, or hopeless

• No interest or pleasure in activities that are usually enjoyed

• Appetite changes

• Trouble sleeping or experiencing changes in sleep

• No energy or increased tiredness

• Changes in movement, either increased (such as restlessness) or decreased (such as trouble getting up and going)

• Feeling worthless or bad about themself

• Trouble forming thoughts, focusing, or making decisions

• Thoughts of death or suicide

Similarities Between Bipolar I and Bipolar II

• A depressive episode that lasts at least two weeks

• The symptoms of a manic and hypomanic are technically similar and both require 3-4 symptoms to meet criteria

Differences Between Bipolar I and Bipolar II

Bipolar I

• Manic symptoms occur for at least 7 days

• A depressive episode is not required

• Can include psychotic symptoms, such as seeing or hearing things that others do not

• The symptoms cause a major negative impact or disrupt important areas of the individual’s life, including their school, work, relationships, and how they take care of themself.

Bipolar II

• Hypomanic symptoms last from 4-7 days

• The depressive episodes last longer and are what usually negatively impact the individual the most

• Although the symptoms can feel intense to the individual, it does not lead to a major disruption of major areas of the individual’s life.

What is Cyclothymia?

In Cyclothymia, the individual will experience some of the symptoms of depression or hypomania for at least two years, but the amount is not enough for it to be considered an episode. They can be without any symptoms for two months.

As you can see, bipolar spectrum disorders are complex with very specific criteria. Diagnosis should come from a mental health professional experienced in bipolar disorder. Hopefully this information has helped to increase your knowledge about the signs, symptoms, and episodes within the bipolar spectrum disorders.

Reference:

American Psychiatric Association: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Association, 2013.

You don’t have to do this alone. If you are interested in receiving therapy with me, let’s schedule a free 15-minute phone consult.

My office is located in Irvine, which is near Newport Beach, Orange, Fountain Valley, Costa Mesa, Anaheim, Huntington Beach, Mission Viejo, Laguna Niguel, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Hills, Tustin, Seal Beach, and beyond. I work with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and Asian American & Pacific Islanders.

Disclaimer: This information is being provided to you for educational and informational purposes only. The topics being discussed are meant as a self-help tool for you own use. It is not psychotherapy or counseling. This information is to be used based on your own judgment. If you need to speak with a professional, you should find one local to you and contact them directly.

**IF THIS IS AN EMERGENCY, PLEASE CALL YOUR LOCAL EMERGENCY NUMBER OR GO TO YOUR NEAREST EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT. **