Understanding Bipolar Disorder: Types, Symptoms & Treatment

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 5.7 million American adults have bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is a long-term illness. There are different kinds of bipolar disorder that can all be successfully treated once recognized.

Identification

• Bipolar disorder is recognized as a brain disorder that causes cycles in a person's mood, energy and ability to function. Symptoms are severity of moods from manic episodes to deep depression.

Types

• The types of bipolar disorder are bipolar I disorder, bipolar II disorder, cyclothymic disorder, and not otherwise specified (NOS). Rapid cycling, which means having four or more manic or depressive episodes in a 12-month period, can occur with any of the types of bipolar disorder.

Differences

• Bipolar I sufferers swing from mania to depression. Bipolar II is a milder form of bipolar I. Cyclothymic disorder has milder mood changes. NOS sufferers do not show clear enough distinction in symptoms to determine which disorder it is.

Treatment

• Treatment for all bipolar disorders includes a combination of medications and counseling. Treatment is ongoing in order to regulate medication doses and changes in behavior.

Risk factors

• Bipolar disorders are more common in people with a family history of mental illness. Bipolar disorder is also more common in people with substance abuse or a family history of substance abuse.