Dr. Jorge Galindo discusses different types of bipolar spectrum disorders. Bipolar I disorder involves recurring episodes of depression and at least one manic episode lasting over a week. Bipolar II disorder involves less severe manic episodes known as hypomania and depression is more common. Cyclothymic disorder involves briefer periods of depression and hypomania that cycle. Some professionals propose additional subtypes like Bipolar IV related to antidepressant use and Bipolar V involving depression symptoms and a family history of bipolar disorder. [/SUMMARY]

1. TYPES OF BIPOLAR
SPECTRUM DISORDER
Jorge Galindo

2. Introduction
 A licensed therapist, Dr. Jorge Galindo practices at Irvine,
California’s Galindo and Associates, Inc., Clinical and
Forensic Therapy. Dr. Jorge Galindo completed his doctoral
internship at the award-winning St. Joseph Hospital, where
he received a grounding in bipolar spectrum disorders.
The bipolar spectrum, sometimes referred to as bipolar
spectrum disorder, offers classification for mental health
issues that incorporate symptoms of traditional bipolar
disorder. These symptoms, which include depression and
episodes of mania, may occur alone or in combination
depending upon the diagnosis. Individuals with bipolar I
disorder, for example, experience repeating episodes of
depression and at least one manic episode of a week's
duration or more. Individuals with this disorder may also
receive the diagnosis of manic depressive illness.

3. Bipolar Spectrum Disorder
 Individuals with bipolar II disorder, by contrast, experience less-
severe episodes of mania. Known as hypomania, these periods
may mimic everyday positive moods. In these individuals,
depression is significantly more common and thus may prompt a
diagnosis of depressive disorder. Those with briefer and less
intrusive periods of depression, which occur in cycle with
hypomania, may receive the alternative diagnosis of cyclothymic
disorder.
Some professionals have suggested that the bipolar spectrum may
include additional proposed subtypes Bipolar IV, for example,
involves manic or hypomanic episodes secondary to antidepressant
medication. Bipolar V indicates an individual with symptoms of
depression and a family history of bipolar diagnoses. Other
clinicians place individuals with uncategorized bipolar symptoms
under the umbrella diagnosis of bipolar disorder, not otherwise
specified (NOS), though classification of these less-common
subtypes often depend on the outlook and clinical bend of the
therapist.