Just like any type of medical challenge, mental health disorders are far from straightforward. They can vary in severity, symptoms and time frame. Bipolar disorder is a condition that has multiple types, which means it’s essential to have thorough evaluation and personalized treatment to reach the best outcomes possible.

More than 4% of U.S. adults experience bipolar disorder symptoms at some point in their life. No matter what type of bipolar disorder a person is diagnosed with, the mood and behavioral changes can affect their everyday productivity, their relationships with others and their sense of self.

Read on to learn the ins and outs of different bipolar disorder types. Then we’ll talk about how Guidelight Health helps people manage the symptoms for an improved quality of life.

Bipolar I disorder

When people think about bipolar disorder, they likely think about alternating episodes of manic and depressive thoughts, emotions and behaviors. However, a bipolar I disorder diagnosis only requires having at least one manic episode that lasts at least one week. If hospitalization is required, any duration qualifies for a diagnosis. These episodes can cause significant challenges in daily functioning. Some people may need to be hospitalized if the manic episode is causing psychosis or if they’re posing a risk to themselves or others.

Symptoms of a manic episode include:

• Intense positive emotions, such as happiness, even euphoria
• Heightened irritability
• Increased energy
• Decreased need for sleep
• Inflated self-confidence or self-importance that’s out of character
• Impulsive or risky behaviors (e.g., reckless driving, gambling, unprotected sex)

A depressive episode is not required for a bipolar I diagnosis, but most people with bipolar I experience both manic and depressive episodes.

Bipolar II disorder

If you experience symptoms of a manic episode, but they are more mild, it’s known as a hypomanic episode. It can involve having a higher energy level and heightened positive emotions for at least four days in a row. If you alternate between periods of hypomania and depression, you may be diagnosed with bipolar II disorder.

Symptoms of a depressive episode include:

• Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness
• Reduced energy or fatigue
• Lack of interest in activities you used to enjoy (called anhedonia)
• Changes in appetite and sleep patterns
• Suicidal ideation

Since a bipolar II disorder diagnosis involves depressive episodes as well as hypomania, which may be less easy to notice, it’s possible for bipolar II disorder to be misdiagnosed as major depressive disorder.

Cyclothymic disorder

It’s possible to experience periods of manic highs and depressive lows without having a diagnosable bipolar disorder condition. But your symptoms are still treatable and your challenges are still valid. For adults, cyclothymic disorder is a type of bipolar disorder that involves experiencing mild hypomanic and depressive episodes that are persistent for at least two years but don’t meet full criteria for hypomanic or major depressive episodes. It affects up to 1% of the U.S. population.

The severity of episodes are lower than those that occur for bipolar I or II diagnoses. But they can still interfere with your everyday functioning, such as difficulty concentrating or solving problems. Even though the symptoms may be milder, people with cyclothymic disorder can still benefit from treatment.

Guidelight can treat every type of bipolar disorder

If you start to recognize symptom patterns of heightened positive emotions or overwhelming negative emotions, it’s important to raise your concerns with your doctor. They can rule out other potential causes of your mood changes, for example, a thyroid issue or substance use. They will likely refer you to a mental health professional, such as a psychotherapist or psychiatrist.

Thorough assessment and diagnostic testing can determine if you have bipolar disorder, and which type best aligns with your symptoms. After a diagnosis, you’ll collaborate with your providers to determine the best treatment plan based on the severity of your symptoms, medical history and overall goals.

Treatment for bipolar disorder usually involves a combination of medication, therapy and lifestyle adjustments. If you need more intensive support than outpatient therapy, Guidelight has three levels of care that can help you:

• Intensive Outpatient Program and Spanish Intensive Outpatient Program
• Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program
• Partial Hospitalization Program

Through individual and group therapy, as well as medication management, we can help you improve your emotional regulation and learn effective coping mechanisms for your bipolar disorder symptoms.

Everyone has a seat at Guidelight. Contact our team online or call us today for more information about the different types of bipolar disorder or to schedule an initial evaluation. We provide treatment across the country — and we’re always expanding. See if we offer care in your state, either online or at one of our local offices.