The Long Term Effects Of Bipolar Disorder

5. Cyclothymic Disorder

Cyclothymic disorder occurs when symptoms of bipolar disorder are not as severe as the other two categories, but the condition is chronic or lasts at least two years with episodes lasting more than two months. Cyclothymic disorder can be thought of as a precursor to being diagnosed with a full-blown bipolar disorder. The most common symptom is hypomania, which is a less severe version of depressive and manic episodes that occur in more severe cases. Other types of bipolar disorder include Bipolar Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (NOS) and Bipolar Disorder With Rapid Cycling.