Warning Signs of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder can be sneaky. Episodes of mania can go undetected. Depression can overshadow other aspects of the illness.

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar symptoms are periods of elevated or irritable mood with dramatic increases in energy, activity, and fast thinking.

What are Mania and Hypomania?

How to recognize the symptoms of mania and hypomania, part of the manic phases of bipolar disorder.

Depression Symptoms in Bipolar Disorder

The dramatic mood episodes of bipolar disorder do not follow a predictable pattern.

Types of Bipolar Disorder

There are several types of bipolar disorder; all involve episodes of depression and mania to a degree.

Bipolar I Disorder

Bipolar I disorder is a form of mental illness. A person with bipolar I disorder has had at least one manic episode.

Bipolar II Disorder

Bipolar II disorder is a form of mental illness. Bipolar II is similar to bipolar I, with moods cycling between high and low.

Rapid Cycling

In rapid cycling, a person with the disorder experiences four or more episodes of mania or depression in one year.

Mixed Bipolar Episodes

Mixed bipolar episodes exhibit symptoms of both mood "poles" -- mania and depression -- at the same time or in rapid sequence.

What Is Cyclothymia?

In cyclothymic disorder, moods swing between short periods of mild depression and mania.

Bipolar Spectrum

The bipolar spectrum includes bipolar disorder and other types of mental conditions that involve depression or mood swings.