Are there different types of bipolar?

There are several types of bipolar. The two main types are bipolar I and bipolar II, but there are also other forms, such as cyclothymia and bipolar disorder with mixed features, rapid cycling, or a seasonal pattern.

Doctors sometimes diagnose people with a particular type of bipolar or bipolar disorder. This will depend on the different bipolar moods and symptoms they've experienced.

Bipolar type 1

A diagnosis of type bipolar 1 means someone has had at least one episode of mania that lasts longer than a week. 90% of people with bipolar type 1 also go through periods of depression. Untreated, manic episodes will generally last 3-6 months. Depressive episodes will generally last 6-12 months without treatment.

Bipolar type 2

A diagnosis of bipolar type 2 means someone has had at least one period of severe depression and at least one period of hypomania, but not symptoms of mania. Someone with bipolar type 2 also tends to experience more frequent and longer episodes of low mood.

Bipolar type 1 or 2 with mixed features

Also known as a ‘mixed bipolar state’, someone with mixed features can experience symptoms of mania or hypomania and depression at the same time. This can may result in agitation, difficulty sleeping and significant change in appetite and suicidal thoughts.

Bipolar type 1 or 2 with rapid cycling

Rapid cycling means someone has had four or more depressive, manic or hypomanic episodes in a 12-month period. Rapid cycling affects around one in ten people with bipolar, and affects people with bipolar type 1 and type 2.

Bipolar type 1 or 2 with seasonal pattern

Someone with a seasonal pattern of bipolar means that their symptoms of depression, mania or hypomania are regularly affected by the changing seasons in the same way. For example, someone might experience a lower mood each winter and a higher mood each spring.

Cyclothymia

A diagnosis of cyclothymic disorder means someone has experienced regular episodes of hypomania and depression for at least two years. Although individuals diagnosed with cyclothymia are on the bipolar spectrum, they do not have a diagnosis of bipolar. Cyclothymia can however develop into bipolar.