So, what constitutes a manic, hypomanic, or depressive episode? For a behavior change to be considered a manic episode, it must meet the following criteria:
Be a distinct and noticeable change in mood and functioningInclude noticeable problems in your day-to-day activities or require hospitalization to prevent harm to yourself or othersNot be the result of alcohol or drug use, a medication you’re taking, or another medical condition
For a behavior change to be considered a hypomanic episode, it must meet these standards:
Involve a distinct and noticeable change in mood and functioningNot be significant enough to disrupt daily activities or require hospitalizationNot be the result of alcohol or drug use, a medication you’re taking, or another medical conditionNot have any associated psychotic symptoms (these would indicate a full-blown manic episode)
As with manic episodes, depressive episodes must not be the result of alcohol or drug use, a medication you’re taking, or another medical condition. Both bipolar 1 and bipolar 2 may occur after a woman becomes pregnant or within a month of giving birth (also known as peripartum onset). The disorders may also follow a so-called seasonal pattern, in which episodes change with the seasons.
Additional reporting by Deborah Shapiro and Leona Vaughn.
