Bipolar disorder comes in more than one form. Understanding the different types of bipolar disorder helps participants, families and carers feel more informed, and makes it easier to find support that genuinely fits. This guide explains the main types in plain language.
What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that affects a person’s mood, energy and ability to function. People living with bipolar disorder experience periods of elevated mood, known as mania or hypomania, and periods of low mood, known as depression. However, the pattern, length and intensity of these periods differ from person to person, which is why there are several recognised types.
Bipolar I disorder
Bipolar I disorder involves at least one manic episode. A manic episode is a period of unusually high energy, elevated or irritable mood and increased activity that lasts around a week or longer, or that is severe enough to need hospital care. In addition, many people with bipolar I also experience episodes of depression, although a depressive episode is not required for the diagnosis.
Bipolar II disorder
Bipolar II disorder involves a pattern of depressive episodes along with hypomanic episodes. Hypomania is similar to mania but less intense and shorter, and it tends to disrupt daily life less severely. People with bipolar II experience hypomania rather than the full manic episodes seen in bipolar I, and the depressive periods are often the most challenging part.
Cyclothymia (cyclothymic disorder)
Cyclothymia is a milder, longer-lasting form of bipolar disorder. It involves frequent mood changes, with periods of hypomanic symptoms and periods of mild depression that continue over an extended time. The symptoms are gentler than bipolar I or II, yet the ongoing ups and downs can still affect everyday life.
Other types of bipolar disorder
Some people experience bipolar symptoms that do not fit neatly into the categories above. Instead, these are described as other specified or unspecified bipolar and related disorders. They are still real, they can still benefit from support, and a mental health professional can help make sense of them.
How NDIS support helps people living with bipolar disorder
Whatever the type, living well with bipolar disorder often comes down to consistency, routine and the right support around you. For example, NDIS support can help with managing daily routines, medication reminders, getting to appointments, building coping strategies and staying connected to the community. At Astute Living Care, our workers are trained in mental health and psychosocial disability. You can learn more about our support for people living with bipolar disorder.
This article is general information and not medical advice. Bipolar disorder can only be diagnosed by a qualified health professional. If you have concerns about yourself or someone you care for, please speak with your GP or a mental health professional. For more clinical detail, see Healthdirect.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between bipolar I and bipolar II?
Bipolar I involves at least one full manic episode. Meanwhile, bipolar II involves hypomania, a milder form of mania, along with depressive episodes, without the full mania seen in bipolar I.
Is cyclothymia a type of bipolar disorder?
Yes. Cyclothymia is considered a milder, longer-lasting type of bipolar disorder, with ongoing mood fluctuations that are less severe than bipolar I or II.
Can the NDIS support someone with bipolar disorder?
Yes. Where bipolar disorder significantly affects a person’s daily life, it can be recognised as a psychosocial disability under the NDIS, which may fund support for daily living, routines and wellbeing.
How does Astute Living Care support people with bipolar disorder?
Our mental health trained support workers provide consistent, person-centred support shaped around your goals, including help with routines, community participation and staying well. Contact us on 1300 764 253 to talk through your needs.
