By SKetcham
Nearly 6 million adults suffer from some form of bipolar disorder in the United States, according to the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance. Bipolar disorders are characterized by extreme mood swings that differ from normal moodiness in the intensity and length of the episodes. Moreover, bipolar episodes often disrupt daily life, interfere with personal and professional relationships and may lead to suicide if left untreated. Several different types of bipolar disorder exist, and each is diagnosed based on the length, pattern, severity and frequency of manic and depressive episodes.
Bipolar 1 Disorder
Bipolar 1 disorder is the most severe form of the disease, with sufferers alternating between episodes of mania, or very high moods, and severe depression. To receive a diagnosis of bipolar 1 disorder, at least three or more symptoms of mania must be present nearly all day, every day, for 1 or more weeks. Symptoms of mania include rapid speech, racing thoughts, euphoric or excessively excited mood, restlessness, increased energy level, decreased need for sleep, distracted easily, grandiosity or inflated self-esteem, an increase in reckless or dangerous behavior and an increase in libido. Severely manic people may become psychotic and suffer from delusions or hallucinations.
Bipolar 2 Disorder
In bipolar 2 disorder, episodes of severe depression alternate with episodes of a milder form of mania, called hypomania. Bipolars in a state of hypomania rarely believe they are unwell, because the mood is typically positive, resulting in increased productivity, a tendency to socialize and an increase in self-esteem. Hypomania can quickly escalate into full-blown mania or switch into depression in some people if not treated. To receive a diagnosis of bipolar 2 disorder, a person must have experienced at least one hypomanic episode in the past, with no history of mania.
Cyclothymic Disorder
Cyclothymic disorder involves alternating episodes of hypomania and mild depression. The mood swings are never extreme, but they are more noticeable and more severe than the mood swings experienced by those without any form of bipolar disorder. A diagnosis of cyclothymia is given only after symptoms of mild depression and hypomania have been alternating for a period of more than 2 years. Many people with cyclothymia never develop the more severe symptoms associated with bipolar 1 and bipolar 2 disorders, but in some cases, symptoms of cyclothymia worsen over time.
Rapid Cycling Bipolar Disorder
When episodes of bipolar disorder occur four or more times per year, a diagnosis of rapid cycling bipolar disorder is given. The frequency of episodes varies considerably in rapid cyclers, with some experiencing only the minimum four episodes within a 12-month period and others cycling multiples times each week. Some people with bipolar disorder cycle rapidly from the onset of their illness, but in many cases, rapid cycling develops later in the course of the disease. According to the National Institutes for Mental Health, women are more prone to rapid cycling than men, and there is a higher risk of suicide in rapid cyclers than in those who cycle less than four times per year.
Different Types of Bipolar Disorder by fitnesswellbeingguide.com