This form of bipolar disorder is characterized by manic episodes that go on for a week at a time. The patient might also need to be hospitalized. Depression lasting two weeks is also common.

Though the patient might not suffer from manic episodes, he will experience hypomanic episodes accompanied by depression.

This form of bipolar disorder involves the patient suffering from hypomanic episodes for over two years, accompanied by bouts of depression.

Other types of bipolar disorder include:

• Substance- medication-inducing bipolar disorder
• Bipolar disorder due to a medical condition
• Bipolar disorder due to an unknown reason

Several types of medications are used to treat bipolar disorder. These include mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, antidepressants, antidepressant-antipsychotic and anti-anxiety medications.

Several types of therapy may be useful in treating bipolar disorder. This could be either in groups or individually. These are:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
  Here, negative behaviors and beliefs are identified and replaced with positivity. It also helps to spot bipolar episodes and teaches patients coping strategies.
• Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT)
  This deals with mood management and stresses on the individual’s daily rhythms, as waking, sleeping, and eating. It also helps spot bipolar disorder triggers.
• Psychoeducation
  By understanding what this disorder is about, families can lend better support to the patient.

Patients with bipolar disorder need lifelong treatment, or they may suffer a relapse.