- There are four main classifications of bipolar disorder. The first two are most common: type I, in which the individual exhibits marked swings between manic and depressive cycles; and type II, in which the cycles are less extreme or the individual tends towards mania or depression more regularly.
- The last two types of bipolar disorder include: cyclothymic disorder, which is characterized by milder cycles; and "mixed state" bipolar disorder, in which individuals suffer mania and depression symptoms simultaneously.
- Mania can be described as times of high energy, high mood, and extreme nervousness or irritability. Some individuals experience feelings of euphoria and extreme self-confidence, while others become delusional and risk psychotic breaks.
- Typical symptoms of mania include talking quickly, jumping between topics, insomnia, fidgeting, or making decisions without weighing consequences---such as lavish spending, obsessive gambling, or promiscuity.
- Symptoms of depression can range from being extremely mild---lack of energy, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, waning interests in activities usually found pleasurable---to extreme, such as isolation from friends and family to suicide ideation.
- The symptoms of bipolar disorder come and go in cycles. However, individuals differ in the length and intensity of these cycles. While some may rapidly cycle between mania and depression within a few hours, others may experience high and lows that can last for years, or be interspersed with periods of normal mood and energy.
- While a psychiatrist can usually diagnose bipolar disorder, it can be difficult or take time to get a diagnosis. Because each individual exhibits different symptoms and different patterns of cycling, bipolar disorder can often be mistaken for other disorders or go unnoticed.
