Most people do not know that there are four types of bipolar disorder. While they may share the same basic characteristics, each one varies in severity and one type has additional symptoms. Bipolar is often commonly misspelled as bi polar or bi-polar.

The four types of bipolar disorder are:
* Bipolar I
* Bipolar II
* Cyclothymia
* Bipolar NOS

We will begin our discussion with Bipolar I.

Bipolar I (or bipolar 1) is one of the most severe forms of mental illness and has an almost 15% risk of death by suicide. (Internet Mental Health,http://www.mentalhealth.com/dis/p20-md02.html"> http://www.mentalhealth.com/dis/p20-md02.html) It is characterized by one or more full blown manic episodes or mixed episodes. Major depressive episodes and/ or psychotic episodes are also common in Bipolar I.

All or some of the following symptoms may be present during a manic episode:

* A distinctive elevated or irritated mood
* Increased energy
* Decreased need for sleep
* Racing thoughts and/or speech
* Short attention span/ easily distracted
* Poor or impaired judgment
* Substance abuse
* Increased aggression
* Uncontrollable urges or impulses
* Delusions of grandeur
* Increased sex drive

A manic state can quickly change from severe anxiety and being easily enraged to euphoria. When moods change very quickly, it is referred to as rapid cycling.

Severe mania may lead to a psychotic episode. Also known as a psychotic break, psychosis involves visual or audible hallucinations. A psychotic break warrants a diagnosis of Bipolar I in a person currently diagnosed with bipolar disorder, even if other symptoms are not present. Sometimes a psychotic episode may be the first recognizable sign of the disorder.

At this time, there isn’t a test for bipolar disorder. A diagnosis involves a detailed analysis of behavioral patterns.

If you have any of these symptoms and believe you could have bipolar disorder, please contact your primary care physician or a mental health professional for evaluation.

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