Bipolar Disorder Diagnosis

  A bipolar disorder diagnosis, as stated in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV), falls under the category of Mood Disorders. Further, a bipolar disorder diagnosis encompasses either Bipolar I or Bipolar II.

Unipolar
  Those suffering from extreme periods of depression, whether one incident or several, are considered to be suffering from degrees of major depressive disorder. This disease is more common in women than men, and has not been found to be genetically based. There is some concern that unipolar depression and a bipolar disorder diagnosis may be the same disease, presenting in different forms.

Bipolar I
  The DSM-IV defines a bipolar disorder diagnosis of Bipolar I as an individual having at least one manic or mixed episode (lasting for at least a week) within his or her lifetime. A depressive episode is not required in order to warrant a diagnosis, although most people usually have multiple depressive episodes. There are those who suffer extreme highs with no low or depressive periods; these people are not characterized as Bipolar nor are they considered to be Bipolar I.

Cyclothymic Disorder
  The DSM-IV defines a bipolar disorder diagnosis of Cyclothymic Disorder to one must have experienced, over a period of two years (one year for children and adolescents), numerous periods of time with hypomanic symptoms as well as periods of depressive symptoms that do not meet the criteria for major depressive episode. More than half of the days need to be either high or low, and all periods of wellness need to last for less than 2 months. The person must never have had a manic episode. Studies have shown that people who suffer from Cyclothymic Disorder have a significant percent possibility of later receiving a bipolar disorder diagnosis of Bipolar II.

Bipolar II
  The DSM-IV states In order to receive a diagnosis of Bipolar II Disorder, one must have had at least one hypomanic episode and at least one depressive episode within his or her lifetime. The patient must have never had a manic episode. The degree of extremes dictates a bipolar disorder diagnosis. Of highest concern is a Bipolar II diagnosis, characterized by extreme highs and lows. It is possible that, with treatment, someone with a bipolar disorder diagnosis can be reclassified from Bipolar II to Bipolar I, due to medication, counselling, and behavioural stress control.

Hypomanic vs. Manic
  The DSM-IV differentiates the two terms mentioned above as, a hypomania episode is defined by a distinct period of persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood lasting at least 4 days. The mood is also accompanied by specific characteristics best diagnosed by a mental health professional. A hypomanic episode is not severe enough to cause marked impairment in social or occupational functioning or to require hospitalization.
  On the other hand, a manic episode is defined by a distinct period of persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood lasting at least one week (or less if hospitalization is required). Where psychotic symptoms often found in schizophrenia are present it may be indicative of Schizoaffective bipolar.