Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that results in mood swings, including mania—or emotional highs—and depression, or emotional lows. These conditions can disrupt your life and interfere with jobs and relationships. They often require mental health counseling and medication. Below is a brief look at the various types of bipolar disorder.

What Are the Types of Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar I

Bipolar I is the most serious form of the disorder. It involves at least one episode of mania. This episode may be dangerous and extreme. For instance, patients may not sleep or eat. They may engage in risky behavior or self-harm. They sometimes experience hallucinations. Most people with Bipolar I also experience depressive episodes, but this isn't required for a diagnosis.

Bipolar II

Bipolar II is a similar but separate diagnosis. It always features depressive episodes, but the emotional highs typically do not reach the level of "mania." They are rather considered hypomania. Some Bipolar II patients develop Bipolar I disorder.

Cyclothymia

Cyclothymia is a rare form of the disorder. The emotional highs and lows are often less severe than in the other forms, but it can affect your job, marriage, and other relationships just as fully. Patients typically sing between short periods of hypomania and mild depression. Mental health counseling can help patient manage the interpersonal effects.

Rapid Cycling

Rapid cycling is characterized by more frequent mood swings than with other forms of the disorder. Patients experience four or more episodes of mania or depression in one 12-month period. Rapid cycling can occur at any point in the course of the disorder, and it may come and go over time.

If you need mental health counseling for bipolar disorder, contact White Spruce Counseling in Rochester, NY. They serve patients throughout Monroe County and the surrounding areas. Their specialties also include anger management, domestic abuse classes, and addiction and PTSD counseling. They are renowned throughout Upstate New York for their compassionate care, skilled therapists, and successful outcomes. Learn more about them on their website or call (585) 424-2436 to schedule mental health counseling.