30th January 2024

Definitions

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) subtypes BPD into Bipolar I disorder and Bipolar II disorder:

• Manic episode: a period of at least 1 week of an abnormally and persistently elevated or irritable mood, plus at least 3 additional symptoms which are severe enough to cause significant impairment in social or occupational functioning, or which requires hospitalisation, or which includes psychotic features.
• Hypomanic episode: a period of at least 4 days of a mildly elevated or irritable mood, which is not severe enough to cause a significant impairment in social or occupational functioning or necessitate hospitalisation without psychotic features.
• Depressive episode: a period of at least 2 weeks of depressed mood or anhedonia, with additional symptoms.
• Mixed episode: A period of rapid alteration between manic and depressive symptoms OR a period of at least 1 week in which symptoms meet the criteria for a manic/hypomanic episode, and at least 3 symptoms of depression are present on most days OR a period of at least 1 week in which symptoms meet the criteria for a depressive episode, and at least 3 symptoms of mania/hypomania are present on most days.
• Rapid-cycling bipolar disorder: when at least 4 mood (depressive, manic, hypomanic, or mixed) episodes are experienced within a 12-month period.