Recognizing The Different Types Of Bipolar Disorder

Cyclothymic Disorder

Cyclothymic disorder is a milder type of bipolar disorder with less severe symptoms than the two previous types, though this form has many mood swings with hypomanic and depressive symptoms occurring almost regularly. However, the hypomanic and depressive symptoms experienced in this disorder must occur for at least two years but do not meet the criteria for a depressive or hypomanic episode. Mood swings during this two year period must have occurred for at least half the time and have not stopped for longer than two months at a time.

Treatment for cyclothymic disorder, like the other two types, will often involve medication and psychotherapy, though ECT is usually not an option. Additionally, those with cyclothymic disorder are more likely to start and stop treatment repeatedly.

Continue reading to find out how doctors classify potential cases of bipolar disorder when they do not fit into the three previous types.

Other Specified Bipolar And Related Disorders

In cases where patients are exhibiting bipolar-like symptoms but do not meet the criteria for one of the three previously defined types, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) has the final type: other specified bipolar and related disorders. The DSM-5 has this category to encourage further study into bipolar disorders as a whole, as those who wrote the manual believe bipolar disorders are under-recognized. This is due to many of the symptoms seen in bipolar disorders are similar to other mental illnesses, which results in making an accurate diagnosis difficult for doctors in some instances. Treatment in this can vary widely but tends to include medication such as a mood stabilizers and psychotherapy.

In all instances of bipolar disorder, however, diagnosing and treating the condition is essential for patients to live full and healthy lives without fear.