Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is divided into several subtypes. Each has a different pattern of symptoms. Types of bipolar disorder include:Bipolar I disorder. Mood swings with bipolar I cause significant difficulty in your job, school or relationships. Manic episodes can be severe and dangerous.Bipolar II disorder. Bipolar II is less severe than bipolar I. You may have an elevated mood, irritability and some changes in your functioning, but generally you can carry on with your normal daily routine. Instead of full-blown mania, you have hypomania — a less severe form of mania. In bipolar II, periods of depression typically last longer than periods of hypomania.Cyclothymic disorder. Cyclothymic disorder, also known as cyclothymia, is a mild form of bipolar disorder. With cyclothymia, hypomania and depression can be disruptive, but the highs and lows are not as severe as they are with other types of bipolar disorder.

Bipolar disorder symptoms reflect a range of moods. The exact symptoms of bipolar disorder vary from person to person. For some people, depression causes the most problems; for other people, manic symptoms are the main concern. Symptoms of depression and symptoms of mania or hypomania may also occur together. This is known as a mixed episode.

Manic phase of bipolar disorder
Signs and symptoms of the manic or hypomanic phase of bipolar disorder can include:

Euphoria

Inflated self-esteem

Poor judgment

Rapid speech

Racing thoughts

Aggressive behavior

Agitation or irritation

Increased physical activity

Risky behavior

Spending sprees or unwise financial choices

Increased drive to perform or achieve goals

Increased sex drive

Decreased need for sleep

Easily distracted

Careless or dangerous use of drugs or alcohol

Frequent absences from work or school

Delusions or a break from reality (psychosis)Poor performance at work or school