Exploring Bipolar Disorder Symptoms: Different Types Of Bipolar Disorders

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 4.4% of adults in the United States live with some form of bipolar disorder, formerly called manic depression. And what’s more, the prevalence of bipolar disorder seems to be on the rise.

Different types of bipolar disorders and their symptoms

No matter what type of bipolar disorder you have, symptoms involve episodes of both mania and depression to varying degrees. The most commonly acknowledged types of bipolar disorders include:

Bipolar I disorder

• With bipolar I disorder, manic episodes last at least one week and can be so severe that the person with the disease may need medical attention. The depressive episodes usually last at least two weeks. It is also possible to have both manic and depressive symptoms simultaneously.

Bipolar II disorder

• Those with bipolar II disorder still have both mania and depression, but the symptoms of mania are often milder. Mania is milder in this type of bipolar disorder and is referred to as hypomania because it is less severe than mania in bipolar I disorder.

Cyclothymic disorder

• If the symptoms of bipolar II last for more than two years, the condition is known as cyclothymic disorder or cyclothymia. This rare mood disorder is sometimes diagnosed when a person’s symptoms do not quite fit the criteria for bipolar I disorder.

Potential subtypes of bipolar disorder

• Unspecified bipolar disorder: when bipolar disorder symptoms do not fit into the other three disorder types, mental health experts refer to this as unspecified bipolar disorder. For example, when a person has several episodes of hypomania without depression, that would be unspecified bipolar disorder.
• Rapid-cycling bipolar disorder: Those with rapid-cycling bipolar disorder have at least four mood episodes lasting at least seven days within one year. They may also change from mania to depression more rapidly, such as going from one to the other several times a week.
• Pediatric bipolar disorder: Bipolar disorder in children differs from bipolar disorder in adults and is known as pediatric bipolar disorder. However, this is a controversial topic because children can have mood swings similar to bipolar disorder because their bodies and brains naturally develop. This makes diagnosing and treating bipolar disorder in children extremely difficult.

Understanding people with bipolar disorder: Who is at risk?

Anyone of any age, race, or gender can develop bipolar disorder. However, it typically shows up around age 25. Although the experts have not found concrete scientific proof of the exact cause of bipolar disorders, there are a few known contributing factors or risks. These include:

• Genetics: If you have a parent or sibling with bipolar disorder, your risk of developing bipolar disorder is higher. In fact, over ⅔ of those with the condition have one or more relatives with bipolar or depression disorder. That said, those who have no relatives with bipolar disorder have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder as well. In addition, studies of twins found that just because one develops bipolar disorder does not mean the other twin will, too.
• Life stressors: Some experts have found a connection between stressful events and bipolar disorder. For example, losing a loved one, a major or chronic illness diagnosis, divorce, or losing a job are possible catalysts.
• Substance use: The excessive use of either drugs or alcohol is thought to be a risk factor for people with bipolar disorder as well. The comorbidity of addiction and bipolar disorder is still being studied, but the results so far are finding that a large percentage of those with one of these disorders are more likely also to have the other.

Signs and symptoms of a manic or depressive episode

Whether you have type I, type II, cyclothymic, or any other disorder type, there are manic and depressive symptoms of bipolar disorder to look for. Typically, with type II and cyclothymic disorders, the manic symptoms tend to be milder than type I bipolar disorder. Some of the signs of bipolar disorder include:

Mania Symptoms of a manic episode

• More energetic than usual
• Happier or more friendly
• Talking faster than usual
• Not sleeping for more than 24 hours
• Racing thoughts
• Risky behavior such as drinking, gambling, random sexual encounters, or making impulse buys
• Overconfidence
• Impulsive actions
• Agitation

Symptoms of a depressive episode

• Sleeping more than usual or not getting out of bed for days
• Extreme sadness for no obvious reason
• Isolation
• Trouble concentrating or remembering things
• Eating more or less than usual
• Speaking and moving slower than normal
• Crying for no reason
• Loss of interest in favorite activities
• Thoughts of death or suicide

*If you or a loved one are experiencing suicidal thoughts, reach out for help immediately. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached at 988 and is available 24/7.

Contact a mental health professional immediately if you or someone you know is struggling with mental health symptoms. Bipolar disorder is a serious mental condition that needs professional treatment. Left untreated, bipolar disorder may increase in severity and result in serious problems in your life. There are many treatments for the various forms of this disorder that can make living with bipolar disorder and coping with the disorder much easier. People with bipolar disorder can live healthy, happy lives with the right treatment.

Treatments for bipolar disorder

Although the most common treatment for people with bipolar disorder is medication, psychotherapy can also be used with success. Besides these treatments, many people with bipolar disorder have found success with online therapy, group therapy, and journaling. Treating bipolar disorder does not have to be a difficult experience.

Medication

Multiple classes of medication are used to treat bipolar disorder. Some of these include antidepressants, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers. Of course, there are many types of each of these drugs as well. Some of these include:

• Antidepressants: There are many types of antidepressants, like serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as duloxetine, venlafaxine, and desvenlafaxine, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as citalopram, paroxetine, and sertraline, and tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline, doxepin, and nortriptyline.
• Antipsychotics: Conventional antipsychotics include chlorpromazine, thioridazine, trifluoperazine, fluphenazine, perphenazine, and loxapine. Second-generation antipsychotics include clozapine, perphenazine, ziprasidone, quetiapine, risperidone, and olanzapine.
• Mood Stabilizers: The most commonly used mood stabilizer is a naturally occurring mineral called lithium. People with bipolar disorder are sometimes successfully treated with anticonvulsants such as carbamazepine, lamotrigine, valproic acid, gabapentin, topiramate, and oxcarbazepine.

Mental health therapy

Also known as talk therapy, psychotherapy is working with a counselor or therapist regularly to learn how to manage bipolar disorder or treat bipolar disorder. It is used for various psychological, behavioral, and personality disorders. A therapist can help you cope with your daily life with bipolar disorder, focusing on the main hardships that have affected you due to the disorder. In a traditional face-to-face therapy session, you would meet with your therapist or counselor in their office for 30 to 60 minutes once a week. Online therapy is another option that is often more accessible and just as effective.

Journaling

Writing down your thoughts, feelings, worries, and whatever else you want to write can help a great deal. It may sound silly if you have never tried it, but it helps to actually write on paper. Although you can also do this with online therapy, sometimes it helps to have that pen or pencil in your hand. This is quite an easy and fun way to treat bipolar disorder.

Group therapy

Sometimes it also helps to talk to others going through the same or similar issues. Of course, people with bipolar disorder are all different, so what works for one person may not work for another. However, having a group of people who support you can be a big help. Those with bipolar disorder experience can understand how you feel. And once you find the right treatment and support, you are likely to start noticing improvements in your mental health and well-being.

How online therapy can help

Online therapy can be a great option if you’re ready to talk to someone about your symptoms or just need some support.

The benefits of online therapy for different types of bipolar disorders

With online treatment, you can attend sessions from the comfort of your home, and you don’t have to worry about being on a waiting list. When you sign up, you’re matched with someone who can help you right away. 

The efficacy of online therapy for people with bipolar disorder

Research shows that online therapy is as effective as in-person treatment. One study that looked specifically at people with bipolar disorder found that online psychotherapy effectively treated people with late-stage bipolar disorder who have experienced multiple episodes. If you’re ready to talk to someone, get started right away with Regain.