There are several types of bipolar disorder, each with their own set of criteria for diagnosis. However, in my opinion, bipolar symptoms are quite unique to each person, and the distinction between different types of bipolar disorder can be rather fuzzy in some cases.
I see Bipolar disorder as more of a spectrum, than a distinctive category that is clear and easy to define in every case.
But for the sake of understanding and identifying your own symptoms, I will describe the different types of bipolar disorder:
Must have a history of at least one true "Manic" or "Mixed" episode. Mania is characterized by an abnormally elevated mood, sustained over time, and extreme enough to experience delusions, hallucinations, or extreme lapses in judgment or impulses that are not typical behavior for you. In mania there is often little or no need for sleep, yet a sustained level of intense energy and activity, racing thoughts, rapid speech, euphoria or agitation, grandiose ideas.
In a Mixed episode, much of the same symptomology as Mania is present (especially high energy), however the tone, attitude, or thought process is extremely depressive, negative, self-critical, angry, agitated or suicidal.
In Mania or Mixed Episodes the mood may be "labile." That is, emotions may change rapidly and spontaneously - from joyful, to tearful, to enraged and back again, within seconds or minutes. In a mixed episode, the feelings are predominantly negative but still may change rapidly.
Being psychiatrically hospitalized adds to the likelihood of a diagnosis of Bipolar 1.
May or may not also have history of Major Depressive episodes. Some people get occasional manic episodes, but have never been depressed, while others experience both ends of the spectrum.
Basically, if you can still function in your daily life, take care of your normal tasks, get through a day of work, and you have some measure of self-awareness, you are probably "Hypomanic" rather than "Manic."
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