Types

• There are actually several types of bipolar disorder, each with slightly different patterns of cycling. Severe mood cycling that swings between mania and depression are characteristic of bipolar I disorder, while the cycles that characterize bipolar disorder II are less pronounced. Those with cyclothymic disorder experience even milder mood changes.
  
  

Mixed state

• In the rarer "mixed state" bipolar disorder, people exhibit symptoms of mania and depression simultaneously.
  
  

Mania

• Mania is usually associated with feelings of extreme euphoria, confidence, or irritability. A person in a manic state may talk quickly, sleep less, not eat, have racing thoughts, or make life decisions hurriedly and without considering consequences.
  
  

Depression

• People in a depressive state may be unusually sad, lack energy or interest in normal activities, have poor concentration, isolate themselves from friends and family, or exhibit suicide ideation.
  
  

Diagnosis

• It can be difficult to diagnose bipolar disorder because, even within the different types, individuals exhibit great diversity in the level of cycle and the length of each cycle.
  
  

Cycling

• Some individuals may "rapid" cycle, going from mania to depression within a few hours, while others experience highs or lows that can last for years.