It’s easy to associate mood swings with bipolar disorder, but the mental health condition is actually more complex. There are, in fact, several different types of bipolar disorder. That means your experience with bipolar may look very different than the next person’s. With that said, if you’re wondering how to help a loved one navigate this condition, it’s a good idea to understand the main types of bipolar disorder out there.
What is Bipolar Disorder?
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) describes bipolar disorder as a serious mental illness associated with unusual shifts in mood. These shifts will range from the highest of highs (called manic episodes) to the lowest of lows (called depressive episodes). Consequently, these changes affect your energy levels, relationships with others, and ability to function on a daily basis. Temporary changes in mood are a normal part of life; however, mood episodes within different types of bipolar disorder are much more extreme, lasting days or weeks at a time.
When a manic episode occurs (also known as a period of mania), it’s common to feel highly energetic, even euphoric. Consequently, your loved one may struggle with unpredictable levels of behavior and irritability, leading to poor judgement and risky actions. Your loved one may even be unaware of the magnitude of their actions during manic episodes. On average, shares VerywellMind.com, people will cycle through manic episodes one or two times a year.
Once someone cycles through a manic episode, a depressive episode usually follows. These episodes can make your loved one feel worthless, anxious, sad, and guilty. They’re often lengthy and debilitating, resulting in low energy and struggles to make any decisions. Typical eating and sleeping patterns may alter during depressive episodes, too.
Examining the Different Types of Bipolar Disorder
Though your loved one may have bipolar disorder, in reality they likely have one of a few common types of bipolar disorder, such as:
Bipolar I
Among all of the different types of bipolar disorder, Bipolar I is the most common. With Bipolar I, your manic episodes typically last seven days or more, and can even get so extreme that they require you to stay in the hospital. The depressive episodes that follow often last at least two weeks.
While the periods of mania within Bipolar I can be filled with energy and exhilaration, they can cause delusions of grandeur, reckless behavior, and poor judgment. Because of these extreme mood swings, Bipolar I can cause your loved one to regularly experience major disruptions in life, both personally and professionally.
Bipolar II
You may have heard that Bipolar II is a weaker form of Bipolar I, but that’s actually not true. Separately diagnosed, Bipolar II brings recurrent depressive episodes coinciding with periods of hypomania. Hypomanic episodes aren’t as extreme as manic episodes in Bipolar I. However, the still can cause irritability, impulsivity, as well as increased levels of energy and productivity. With this type of bipolar disorder, intense depressive episodes can generate noticeable sadness, hopelessness, and lethargy. But when you’re not having your episode cycles, life often feels normal.
Cyclothymia (Cyclothymic Disorder)
Cyclothymia, also known as cyclothymic disorder, is a type of bipolar disorder characterized by an irregular, chronic pattern of hypomanic symptoms alternating with depressive symptoms. This rhythm of symptoms must last at least two years in adults to be diagnosed as cyclothymia. Though cyclothymic disorder is not as severe as Bipolar I or II, it can still interfere with your daily life and overall well-being. Your loved one may go through periods of energy and creativity followed by periods of stagnation and sadness. This can make having both stable relationships and employment a challenge.
Bipolar Disorder and Addiction: Common Co-Occurring Disorders
Because bipolar’s mood swings can be so debilitating, it’s common for those with the various types of bipolar disorders to also struggle with another co-occurring addiction. Often, someone with bipolar may seek out drugs or alcohol to self-medicate for the symptoms associated with their mood swings. While these coping mechanisms may provide temporary relief, it doesn’t last. So more substances are taken, leading to addiction and co-occurring disorders.
Consequently, your loved one may struggle with bipolar disorder and drug abuse or bipolar disorder and alcohol addiction. And in the long run, these maladaptive coping mechanisms often make bipolar disorder even worse by strengthening mood swings and weakening the effects of prescription bipolar medications.
Comprehensive Dual Diagnosis Treatment in New England
If your loved one struggles with both bipolar disorder and addiction, what’s the best course of action to take? For many, the next step is to get professional help at dual diagnosis drug treatment centers.
At Sana at Stowe, our New England-based dual diagnosis treatment can address both bipolar disorder and addiction all in one place. We take a comprehensive approach to healing, personalizing our care with both holistic and evidence-based practices. As a result, we can empower your loved one with the skills they need to achieve long-term sobriety and care for their mental health. To learn more, contact us today.
