(rev. 4th ed., 2000), the diagnostic manual of the American Psychiatric
Association, there are several types of bipolar disorder, which are categorized
according to the extent of severity, the types of the symptoms, and the
duration of the symptoms. Bipolar I disorder is characterized by alternating
periods of mania and depression. At times, severe bipolar disorder may be
accompanied by psychotic symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations.
For this reason, Bipolar I disorder is also considered a psychotic disorder. Bipolar
II disorder is characterized by alternating episodes of a milder formof
mania (known as hypomania) and depression. Cyclothymia is a form of bipolar
disorder in which hypomania alternates with a low-level, chronic depressive
state. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is characterized by alternating
mood episodes that vary according to seasonal patterns; the mood
changes are thought to be related to changes in the amount of sunlight and
accompanying effects on the levels of hormone melatonin. In the Northern
Hemisphere, the typical pattern is associated with manic symptoms in the
spring and summer and depression in the fall and winter. Manic episodes often
have a shorter duration than the depressive episodes. Bipolar disorder
must be differentiated from depressive disorders, which include major depression
(unipolar depression) and dysthymia, a milder but chronic formof
depression.
periods of mania and depression. At times, severe bipolar disorder may be
accompanied by psychotic symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations.
For this reason, Bipolar I disorder is also considered a psychotic disorder. Bipolar
II disorder is characterized by alternating episodes of a milder formof
mania (known as hypomania) and depression. Cyclothymia is a form of bipolar
disorder in which hypomania alternates with a low-level, chronic depressive
state. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is characterized by alternating
mood episodes that vary according to seasonal patterns; the mood
changes are thought to be related to changes in the amount of sunlight and
accompanying effects on the levels of hormone melatonin. In the Northern
Hemisphere, the typical pattern is associated with manic symptoms in the
spring and summer and depression in the fall and winter. Manic episodes often
have a shorter duration than the depressive episodes. Bipolar disorder
must be differentiated from depressive disorders, which include major depression
(unipolar depression) and dysthymia, a milder but chronic formof
depression.
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