Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings, including emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). There are several types, each with different patterns of mood episodes.

1. Bipolar I Disorder
This type involves at least one full manic episode, which may be followed by hypomanic or major depressive episodes.

• Mania lasts at least 7 days or is severe enough to require hospitalization
• Depression may last for weeks or months
• Mood swings can be intense and disruptive

2. Bipolar II Disorder
This form includes at least one hypomanic episode and one major depressive episode, but no full manic episodes.

• Hypomania is a milder form of mania
• Depression tends to be longer and more severe
• People with Bipolar II are often misdiagnosed as having only depression

3. Cyclothymic Disorder (Cyclothymia)
This involves chronic mood swings with milder symptoms that don’t meet the full criteria for mania or major depression.

• Symptoms last for at least 2 years (1 year in children and teens)
• People experience ups and downs more frequently but less intensely

4. Other Specified and Unspecified Bipolar Disorders
These include bipolar symptoms that don’t clearly match the patterns of the above types but still cause distress and disruption.

• May include rapid cycling, mixed episodes, or mood swings triggered by certain conditions or medications