The diagnosis of bipolar disorder affects many people, including the people who care about them.
Bipolar disorder represents a mental health condition that affects a sizeable global number of people.
The main question that many people ask about bipolar disorder relates to its different types.
But exactly how many types of bipolar disorder are there?
This particular insight into the condition and the subsequent treatment makes all the difference.
Bipolar disorder has been classified into four basic types: doctors have created categories based on the occurrence of such features, the severity, and the length of the mood episodes.
How Many Types of Bipolar Disorder Are There?
Let's break them down:
1. Bipolar I Disorder
This is the first thing people think of when they hear "bipolar."
People who suffer from bipolar I can experience extremely high and low mood swings.
The main characteristic of Bipolar I involves extensive mood changes triggered by manic episodes.
It is also seen in these patients who go through several depression episodes that can be as long as 2 weeks.
This disorder can be severe enough to impact a person in key areas of life, such as work, relationships, and the regular daily routine in most cases.
2. Bipolar II Disorder
Bipolar II is thought to be a "less severe" form by many, though it comes with its own set of difficulties.
It consists of episodes of hypomania (a less severe form of mania) and periods of depression.
Although you may feel hypomania less destructive, the depressive episodes in Bipolar II can be as strong and severe as those in Bipolar I—sometimes even worse.
3. Cyclothymic Disorder - Cyclothymia
Although cyclothymic disorder is a less severe mental condition with mild episodes of mood variability, it is still a disease that people encounter.
The period of mood swings is such that some days, the person may feel hypomanic or almost in a depressive state of mind while these symptoms do not meet the criteria for mania or severe form of depression.
Even the slightest shifts might not seem significant, but these can substantially disrupt your life.
4. Bipolar Disorder "Not Otherwise Specified" (NOS)
The medical symptoms sometimes present themselves without conforming to diagnostic standards of specific bipolar disorder categories.
Ones who experience uncommon yet intense mood disturbances fall within this classification.
Every bipolar disorder experience shows its uniqueness because the condition affects each person differently.
And for that, you have a guide to how many types of bipolar disorder are there.
Realizing the different existing types can be a good guide for yourself or a loved one to identify and tolerate what the chronic illness depends on and develop the foundation for its management.
What Causes Bipolar Disorder
Medical experts understand bipolar disorder emerges from both genetic predispositions and environmental elements, although scientists have yet to determine the entire mechanism.
The genetic factor of bipolar disorder is proved through medical research because researchers have observed this disorder within familial relationships.
This connection raises questions about whether a bipolar transfer to child is possible.
Children whose parent or sibling has bipolar disorder are at a higher likelihood of inheriting the same disease, even though the causation is still unclear.
Thus, genetic testing for bipolar disorder enables scientists to detect the specific genes connected to the disorder.
The current situation is that genetic testing for bipolar disorder is there, but its usage is still limited; nevertheless, it has the potential to improve risk evaluations and create personalized treatments for affected individuals.
Environmental causes of bipolar disorder can also play a role.
Symptoms of bipolar disorder are usually more intense and usually start when people are dealing with traumatic events, sleep disturbances, or substance abuse issues.
People with psychiatric risks of bipolar disorder may have mood episodes when they lose a job, end a relationship, or survive natural disasters.
Knowledge about bipolar disorder origin factors provides people with the ability to handle treatment with purposeful determination and sound decision-making.
Goals for Bipolar Disorder Treatment
A treatment plan for bipolar disorder requires establishing realistic goals that serve as the focus of bipolar disorder management.
The treatment goals for bipolar disorder involve three main directions:
Establishing stability.
Reducing mood episode intensity.
Achieving better quality of life outcomes.
Starting psychiatric medicine prescribed by a psychiatrist becomes necessary for certain patients.
Treatment and lifestyle changes, including a consistent sleep schedule and stress management skills alongside substance abstinence, will serve as essential elements for those who need help with bipolar disorder management.
Patients face difficulties sustaining their treatment, yet they can find assistance.
Clinical specialists who provide bipolar disorder treatment operate treatment centers that give individual guidance at every stage of condition management.
The proper resource availability provides support so you never face this challenge alone.
Finding Bipolar Disorder Treatment Near Me
Finding out how many types of bipolar disorder are there is only the beginning.
You need to consult with a mental health professional who will conduct a personalized evaluation because assessment requires a professional with specialized training.
Consult a specialist for genetic testing for bipolar disorder when you believe ancestral influences exist or learn about bipolar transmission risks for potential future children.
Freedom Psychiatry Center offers assistance to those who need it.
An expert team at Freedom Psychiatry Center specializes in bipolar disorder treatment through evidence-based solutions for its complicated nature.
You can reach out to us right now to arrange your appointment to build a better and more stable future.
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