From Mild to Severe: What Are the Different Types of Bipolar Disorder?
It is important to remember that mental illness is not a monolith. There are many different types of mental illness and, within those types, there is always a spectrum of symptoms that can range from mild to severe. The same is true when it comes to the types of bipolar disorder. This also explains why bipolar disorder should be treated on an individualized basis.
Understanding Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder has quickly become one of the most common types of mental illness in the United States and abroad. According to Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology, “Epidemiological studies have suggested a lifetime prevalence of around 1% for bipolar type I in the general population. A large cross-sectional survey of 11 countries found the overall lifetime prevalence of bipolar spectrum disorders was 2.4%, with a prevalence of 0.6% for bipolar type I and 0.4% for bipolar type II.” In other words, based on population, these are not insignificant numbers.
Although the term “bipolar disorder” has been bandied about a lot in the public sphere over the last few years, many people are still unaware of what the disorder entails. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “Bipolar disorder is a serious mental illness that causes unusual shifts in mood, ranging from extreme highs (mania or “manic” episodes) to lows (depression or “depressive” episode). A person who has bipolar disorder also experiences changes in their energy, thinking, behavior, and sleep.” Also, “During bipolar mood episodes, it is difficult to carry out day-to-day tasks, go to work or school, and maintain relationships.”
Understanding the Different Types of Bipolar Disorder
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), “There are three types of bipolar disorder. All three types involve clear changes in mood, energy, and activity levels. These moods range from periods of extremely “up,” elated, irritable, or energized behavior (known as manic episodes) to very “down,” sad, indifferent, or hopeless periods (known as depressive episodes).” Meanwhile, these three types include bipolar I disorder, bipolar II disorder, and cyclothymia (also known as cyclothymic disorder). While all types share similarities in symptomatology, they differ by the intensity and severity of symptoms that surface.
The Different Types of Bipolar Disorder: Bipolar I Disorder
Perhaps the most discussed type of bipolar disorder is bipolar I disorder. However, it is not necessarily the most prominent.
Bipolar I disorder is considered the most “severe” type of bipolar disorder because its untreated symptoms tend to be the most disruptive to day-to-day life. However, it is important to note that just because bipolar I disorder has severe symptoms it should not diminish what people with other types of bipolar disorder experience. It is all relative.
The most common characteristics of bipolar I disorder are manic episodes. These are episodes where the individual feels overly energetic and may eventually lapse into an area where the lines of reality become blurred. Now, these manic episodes are then followed by a prolonged period of depression. However, in bipolar I, such depression tends to be less pronounced than the depression experienced by someone diagnosed with bipolar II disorder.
The Different Types of Bipolar Disorder: Bipolar II Disorder
The distinct difference between bipolar I disorder and bipolar II disorder is that bipolar I has more intense periods of mania, and bipolar II disorder has more intense periods of depression. However, in both types of the disorder, mania and depression happen in sequential order.
The mania in bipolar II disorder is not as intense as bipolar I and is thus labeled as “hypomania.” This just means that the mania will not intensify to the level of delusions or a greater loss of control over reality. However, the depression following a hypomanic episode is often much more intense and has a longer duration.
The Different Types of Bipolar Disorder: Cyclothymia
Cyclothymia is a type of bipolar disorder that does not meet the criteria for either bipolar I or bipolar II disorder. Of course, as previously mentioned, for the individual struggling with cyclothymia, it can be very disruptive and detrimental.
Cyclothymia is characterized by less intense periods of hypomania followed by less severe bouts of depression. However, it is also due to these milder symptoms that cyclothymia can often go undiagnosed, which can be both uncomfortable and dangerous for the individual struggling with it.
Healing at the Cellular Level With The Phoenix Recovery Center
Here at The Phoenix Recovery Center, we always focus on individualized and comprehensive recovery plans. This helps us be particularly effective in helping people on the entire spectrum of mental illness.
At The Phoenix Recovery Center we believe in healing at the cellular level. The key is to take the first step toward recovery and a better life.
Bipolar disorder is not a monolith. There are many different types of bipolar disorder. There are more “severe” types like bipolar I and II disorder, as well as more “mild and moderate” types like cyclothymia, rapid cycling bipolar disorder, bipolar disorder with mixed features, and unspecified bipolar disorder. However, it is important to remember that help should be sought for any type of bipolar disorder, and that the effects of any type of bipolar disorder on one’s life are always relative to the individual. If you feel like you or a loved one is struggling with mental illness or addiction, we can help. For more information, please reach out to The Phoenix Recovery Center today at (801) 438-3185.
