Recognizing The Different Types Of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar I Disorder

Chances are when individuals see, read, or hear about a general definition of bipolar disorder, including depictions on screens and in literature, it is a definition of bipolar I disorder, sometimes referred to as 'classic manic-depressive disorder'. A more detailed description of this type of bipolar disorder includes manic episodes lasting a minimum of seven days, or severe manic symptoms requiring immediate hospitalization. Depressive episodes will also occur and will usually last at least two weeks under this type. There may also be periods mixing the two.

Treatment for this type of bipolar disorder typically includes medication, usually mood stabilizers or anti-depressants, psychotherapy, or a combination of both. While this is typically enough, in cases where medication and psychotherapy have not helped the patient, doctors may prescribe electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). In ECT, the patient is under anesthesia, and the doctor uses a short electrical current applied to the patient’s scalp. Each session lasts for ten to fifteen minutes, and patients often start with two or three treatments a week for a duration of six to twelve weeks.

Continue reading to learn how to identify bipolar II disorder and how it differentiates from bipolar I disorder now.

Bipolar II Disorder

Like patients with bipolar I disorder, those who have bipolar II disorder must have at least one major depressive episode. However, the significant difference between the two is individuals with bipolar II disorder experience hypomanic episodes rather than manic. Patients who seek treatment for bipolar II disorder often go in due to the depressive episodes first, which can be quite severe. Individuals who have this type of bipolar disorder usually have other mental illnesses, such as generalized anxiety disorder, or substance use disorder.

Doctors will treat bipolar II disorder with medication and psychotherapy, much like they would bipolar I disorder. Similarly, ECT may come into play if medication and psychotherapy are not working for the patient.

Continue reading to discover the third primary type of bipolar disorder, cyclothymic disorder, and how it is treated.