Bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic-depressive illness, is a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). These mood swings can disrupt a person’s daily functioning, relationships, and overall quality of life. Bipolar disorder affects about 1-3% of the population globally and can develop at any age, typically beginning in late adolescence or early adulthood. While the exact cause of bipolar disorder is not fully understood, it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurochemical factors.

Types of Bipolar Disorder

There are several types of bipolar disorder, with the primary ones being:

1. Bipolar I Disorder: This type is characterized by manic episodes lasting at least seven days or by manic symptoms that are so severe they require immediate hospital care. Depressive episodes, typically lasting at least two weeks, also occur. The depressive and manic episodes may alternate or occur simultaneously, leading to significant impairment in daily functioning.
2. Bipolar II Disorder: This type involves patterns of depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes (a less severe form of mania). People with bipolar II do not experience the full-blown manic episodes seen in Bipolar I, but the depressive episodes can be debilitating. Hypomania is less severe and shorter in duration than mania, often not requiring hospitalization.
3. Cyclothymic Disorder: Also known as cyclothymia, this type is characterized by periods of hypomanic symptoms and depressive symptoms lasting for at least two years (one year in children and adolescents). However, the symptoms do not meet the diagnostic criteria for a hypomanic episode or a depressive episode.
4. Other Specified and Unspecified Bipolar and Related Disorders: These terms are used when a person experiences symptoms of bipolar disorder that do not meet the specific criteria for the other types of bipolar disorder but still involve significant mood changes.