The four main types of bipolar are the following:

Bipolar I – this type involves manic and mixed *episodes, as well as major *episodes of depression. The bipolar patient may experience more than one episode for several days, weeks, or even months. Seasonal changes also seem to affect the symptoms exhibited by the person.

Bipolar II – this involves major *episodes of depression and a hypomania episode. Normal functioning can also take place in between the said episodes.

Cyclothymic Disorder – this is a fluctuating disturbance in mood with hypomania and depression *episodes. This is considered the milder form since episodes do not occur regularly and happens for shorter and less severe times.

Not Specified – this is a treatable disorder and the symptoms exhibited by the individual does not fall into any of the three types mentioned; the disorder varies from one person to another.

*Major depressive episode is essentially just a fancy word for depression. When you have a major depressive episode, you're severely depressed. The symptoms are the same as they are for clinical depression.

The following symptoms are not all felt by a bipolar patient. Some of them may experience only few of the symptoms while others may experience many. Each individual exhibits varying degrees of symptom severity.

*Decreased interest in life.
*Feelings of sadness, tension, or irritability.
*Loss of energy.
*Change in appetite.
*Change in sleeping patterns.
*Feeling restless.
*Loss of pleasure and interest in activities or hobbies once enjoyed by the individual
*Feeling slowed down.
*Decreased ability to make decisions.
*Lack of concentration.
*Feelings of worthlessness or guilt.
*Feelings of hopelessness.
*Thinks about death and suicide.

Keep in mind that recognizing these symptoms correctly is important to reveal the real nature of a bipolar disease. Improper diagnosis can lead to prolong or lifetime suffering. The patients can seek advice from professionals when depression attacks them but sometimes they are not disclosing their manic behaviours. It is because they linked it with normalcy or happiness.

Bipolar disorder has no cure. However, there are treatments available today that can effectively manage the disease therefore consult your doctor if you think you or anyone close to you is suffer from the above symptoms. The treatment will include psychotherapy, and medications. Sometimes, the psychiatrist will combine the therapy and medication to effectively manage bipolar disorder.