Types of Bipolar Disorder and Diagnosis
Know the Differences Between Bipolar I, Bipolar II, and Cyclothymia
Apr 21, 2009
The diagnosis of different Bipolar Disorders, is based on the presence or absence of certain mood episodes, such as manic episodes, mixed episodes, and hypomanic episodes.
Types of Bipolar Disorders
There are four types of Bipolar Disorder:
- Bipolar I Disorder;
- Bipolar II Disorder;
- Cyclothymia; and
- Bipolar Disorder Not Otherwise Specified.
Bipolar I Disorder is Characterized by the Presence of Manic Episodes
Bipolar I Disorder is diagnosed if an individual has experienced one or more manic episodes. These individuals may have also experienced at least one major depressive episode, but some have not.
Bipolar II Disorder is Characterized by Major Depressive Episodes Plus Hypomania
Bipolar II Disorder is diagnosed if an individual has experienced periods of major depressive episodes and at least one hypomanic episode, but no full blown manic episodes.
Cyclothymia is Characterized by Chronic Fluctuation of Mood
Cyclothymic Disorder is diagnosed when a person’s moods constantly fluctuate in the extreme between hypomania and depression, but the moods don’t quite meet the full criteria for manic episodes and major depressive episodes.
Bipolar Disorder Not Otherwise Specified
Bipolar Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (NOS) is diagnosed if the symptoms do not strictly meet the criteria for the other three, but share features.
Rapid Cycling Bipolar Disorders
The Bipolar Disorders could occur as “rapid cycling,” which means that the mood changes occur quickly and constantly. This is a characteristic of Cyclothymia but can also occur in the other Bipolar Disorders. This can wreak havoc as the individual tries to get control of his or her behavior. For others, the moods last longer and shift less frequently.
How Serious is Bipolar Disorder?
Each Bipolar Disorder can occur in forms that are mild, moderate or severe. Psychiatrists make this distinction when diagnosing an individual.
Bipolar Disorder With Psychotic Features
Some people who have psychotic (thought) disorders, such as Schizophrenia, also have these types of bipolar mood disturbances described here. If the mood disturbances are better accounted for by the thought disorder, the diagnosis of a bipolar disorder is not made.
Bipolar Disorders are mood disorders, not thought disorders. But some people may experience psychotic features during the course of bipolar disorder.
The psychotic features usually experienced are:
- Delusions, or
- Hallucinations.
What are Delusions?
Delusions are fixed, false beliefs. People experiencing delusions might believe that they are much more important than they are, or that they are being persecuted. They might believe that other people can either control or hear their thoughts. Or they may believe that their actions are being controlled by someone or something else.
What are Hallucinations?
Hallucinations are things experienced by the senses that are not actually there, such as a smell, a taste, or voices.
What are Catatonic Features?
Catatonic features may also occur with the mood disturbances present in the Bipolar Disorders. These involve difficulty with motion, for example an inability to move or too much movement.
A person may be unable to speak and may resist all physical direction, taking on a rigid body posture. The person may exhibit echolalia, that is repeating words or phrases spoken by other people.
Ecopraxia is when the person repeatedly mimics other’s movements. The person experiencing catatonia may be in danger of harming self or others, and needs to be monitored.
Bipolar Disorder can often be treated successfully with medication and psychotherapy. People who are diagnosed with a Bipolar Disorder can help themselves by first understanding their diagnosis.
This article is intended for information only and is not a substitute for personal medical advice or care. People experiencing troubling symptoms should seek the advice and care of a mental health professional.
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