Symptoms & Types

There are many different symptoms -- and several different types -- of bipolar disorder. The primary symptoms are dramatic and unpredictable mood swings. The types of bipolar disorder range from mild to severe.

Warning Signs of Bipolar Disorder Bipolar disorder can be sneaky. Infrequent episodes of mania can go undetected. Depression can overshadow other aspects of the illness. And substance abuse can further cloud the picture.
Recognizing Bipolar Disorder Bipolar disorder can be difficult to diagnose, but these tips may help you recognize the symptoms.
The 2 Phases of Bipolar Disorder The primary symptoms of bipolar disorder are periods of elevated or irritable mood accompanied by dramatic increases in energy, activity, and fast thinking.
What are Mania and Hypomania? How to recognize the symptoms of mania and hypomania, part of the manic phases of bipolar disorder.
Depression Symptoms in Bipolar Disorder The dramatic mood episodes of bipolar disorder do not follow a predictable pattern.
Overview of Bipolar Disorder Types There are several types of bipolar disorder; all involve episodes of depression and mania to a degree.
Bipolar I Disorder A person affected by bipolar I disorder has had at least one manic episode in his or her life. Most people with bipolar I disorder also suffer from episodes of depression.
Bipolar II Disorder In bipolar II disorder, the "up" moods never reach full-blown mania. These less-intense elevated moods are called hypomanic episodes.
Rapid Cycling In rapid cycling, a person with the disorder experiences four or more episodes of mania or depression in one year. This can occur at any point in the course of bipolar disorder.
Mixed Bipolar Episodes A person with mixed bipolar episodes has symptoms of both mood "poles" -- mania and depression -- at the same time or in rapid sequence.
What Is Cyclothymia? In cyclothymic disorder, moods swing between short periods of mild depression and mania.
Bipolar Spectrum The bipolar spectrum refers to conditions that include not only bipolar disorder but also other types of mental conditions that involve depression or mood swings.

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