Key points Three types of bipolar disorder are defined in modern psychiatric classification systems: bipolar I, bipolar II and cyclothymic disorder. Each subtype differs in type, severity, and ...

Bipolar disorder exists on a spectrum rather than as a single, uniform condition. This fundamental characteristic explains why two people with the same diagnosis can experience dramatically different ...

Mood disorders include depressive disorders and bipolar disorders. These types of psychiatric disorders affect a person’s emotions and may cause severe lows, called depression, and highs, called mania ...

People with Bipolar I disorder have full-blown manic attacks and deep, paralyzing depressions. A World Health Organization survey found the prevalence rate of bipolar I disorder to be 0.6 percent.