Subtypes of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar I Disorder

• At least one lifetime episode of manic or mixed disorder
• Although not required for the diagnosis, at least one lifetime episode of major depressive disorder

Bipolar II Disorder

• At least one lifetime episode of hypomaniac disorder
• At least one lifetime episode of major depression

Bipolar Disorder with rapid cycling

• Meets criteria for bipolar I or bipolar II disorder
• Four or more episodes of major depressive disorder, manic disorder, mixed disorder, or hypomanic disorder in any one year.

I'm lucky and have Bipolar I with rapid cycling .

If you are misdiagnosed as having depression alone, for example, your doctor might recommend standard antidepressant medication (for example Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, or Wellbutrin) with a mood stabilizer like lithium. If you are actually bipolar, this treatment regime could make you swing into mania.

Fortifying yourself with information makes it easier to manage your life and minimizes the disabilities that bipolar disorder can cause.

pg. 31-32 the Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide