People with bipolar disorder experience periods of unusually intense emotion, changes in sleep patterns and activity levels, and uncharacteristic behaviors-often without recognizing their likely harmful or undesirable effects. Following a prescribed treatment plan can help people manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Although the symptoms may vary over time, bipolar disorder usually requires lifelong treatment. Bipolar disorder can also first appear during a woman’s pregnancy or following childbirth. Occasionally, bipolar symptoms can appear in children. Sometimes a person might experience symptoms of bipolar disorder that do not match the three categories listed above, which is referred to as “other specified and unspecified bipolar and related disorders.”īipolar disorder is typically diagnosed during late adolescence (teen years) or early adulthood. However, the symptoms do not meet the diagnostic requirements for a hypomanic episode and a depressive episode.
Cyclothymic Disorder (also called Cyclothymia)- defined by periods of hypomanic symptoms as well as periods of depressive symptoms lasting for at least 2 years (1 year in children and adolescents).Bipolar II Disorder- defined by a pattern of depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes, but not the full-blown manic episodes that are typical of Bipolar I Disorder.Episodes of depression with mixed features (having depressive symptoms and manic symptoms at the same time) are also possible. Usually, depressive episodes occur as well, typically lasting at least 2 weeks. Bipolar I Disorder- defined by manic episodes that last at least 7 days, or by manic symptoms that are so severe that the person needs immediate hospital care.Less severe manic periods are known as hypomanic episodes. 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). All three types involve clear changes in mood, energy, and activity levels. There are three types of bipolar disorder. Research Training and Career Development Opportunitiesīipolar disorder (formerly called manic-depressive illness or manic depression) is a mental disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, concentration, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks.Research Conducted at NIMH (Intramural Research Program).Upcoming Observances and Related Events.Contribute to Mental Health Research Mobile navigation