The Long Term Effects Of Bipolar Disorder

6. Bipolar Disorder II

Bipolar disorder II occurs when significant depressive symptoms accompanied by occasional hypomania are present for at least four days. Patients with bipolar disorder II can remain fully functional between episodes and do not experience mixed or manic episodes like the bipolar disorder I group. However, patients with bipolar disorder II have significantly more depressive symptoms and shorter periods of being well in between. People with bipolar disorder II are at an increased risk of suicide as their symptoms are chronic and long-term with little periods of remission.

5. Cyclothymic Disorder

Cyclothymic disorder occurs when symptoms of bipolar disorder are not as severe as the other two categories, but the condition is chronic or lasts at least two years with episodes lasting more than two months. Cyclothymic disorder can be thought of as a precursor to being diagnosed with a full-blown bipolar disorder. The most common symptom is hypomania, which is a less severe version of depressive and manic episodes that occur in more severe cases. Other types of bipolar disorder include Bipolar Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (NOS) and Bipolar Disorder With Rapid Cycling.