Subtypes Of Bipolar Disorder

Subtypes Of Bipolar Disorder

The Albany Clinic • October 9, 2022

Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that is punctuated by drastic mood swings that alternate between periods of mania (abnormally elevated mood, increased activity levels, and euphoria) and periods of depression (extreme sadness, low mood, and reduced energy levels)

The highs of mania can last for weeks or even months. During these periods, people with bipolar disorder may feel invincible, full of energy, and incredibly productive. Other symptoms of mania include:

  • Inflated self-esteem
  • Reduced need for sleep
  • Racing thoughts
  • Getting easily distracted
  • Impulsive and risky behavior
  • Delusions of grandeur
  • Impulsivity and recklessness
  • Poor decision making
  • Increased productivity
  • Changes in appetite
  • Speaking to fast

Similarly, the lows of depression episodes can be just as severe. People with bipolar disorder often report feeling persistently sad, hopeless, and exhausted during a depression episode. Other symptoms include:

  • Persistent sadness or low mood
  • Erratic sleeping patterns (sleeping too much or too little)
  • Anxiety and irritability
  • Loss of energy and motivation
  • Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or hopelessness
  • Trouble concentrating or making decisions
  • Anger and irritability
  • Memory problems
  • Low energy and motivation
  • Though of suicide or self-harm

These episodes of mania and depression are often separated by periods of normal mood and activity level.

Classification of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar I Disorder

Bipolar I disorder is characterized by manic episodes that last for at least seven days (or manic symptoms that are so intense and debilitating that hospitalization is needed). These episodes are followed by depressive episodes that last for at least two weeks. To be diagnosed with bipolar I disorder, a person must experience at least one manic episode in their lifetime. 

Bipolar II Disorder

Bipolar II disorder is similar to bipolar I disorder, except that the manic episodes are replaced by hypomanic episodes. Hypomanic episodes are similar to manic episodes, but they are less severe and do not last as long. To be diagnosed with bipolar II disorder, a person must experience at least one depressive episode and one hypomanic episode in their lifetime. 

Cyclothymic Disorder

Cyclothymic disorder is a milder but more frequent form of bipolar disorder that is characterized by periods of hypomania and depression that last for at least two years (one year in children and adolescents). However, the symptoms never reach the level of severity necessary to be diagnosed with bipolar I or II.

Rapid-Cycling Bipolar Disorder

People with rapid-cycling bipolar disorder experience four or more episodes of mania/hypomania or depression in a 12-month period. These episodes can even occur within the same week or month. Rapid cycling is more common in women than men and often begins later in life (after age 50). It’s also more likely to occur in people with close relatives who have bipolar disorder. 

Unspecified Bipolar and Related Disorders

This category is used when a person experiences symptoms that mildly resemble bipolar disorder but don’t meet the full criteria for any specific subtype. It can also be used when the exact subtype cannot be determined. 

What Causes Bipolar Disorder?

The exact cause of bipolar disorder is unknown. However, it’s thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Evidence suggests bipolar disorder is hereditary , implying certain genes can make people more susceptible to developing the condition.

Environmental factors such as stress, childhood neglect, abuse, and emotional trauma may also trigger the onset of the illness. Other possible causes of bipolar disorder include brain structure abnormalities, neurotransmitter imbalances, substance abuse, and changes in circadian rhythms. 

The Bottom Line

Bipolar disorder is a complex mental illness that can manifest in different ways. While most people are familiar with bipolar I, there are less known but equally debilitating subtypes of bipolar disorder. In most cases, bipolar disorder is a long-term condition that requires ongoing treatment.

Treating bipolar disorder involves the use of medication, therapy, and self-care. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary to stabilize a person and prevent suicide or self-harm. With proper care, most patients with bipolar disorder are able to lead healthy and productive lives.

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Ketamine for PTSD: Science, Benefits, and What to Expect

By Kimberly Mercille • September 4, 2025
Living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can be debilitating. Nightmares, flashbacks, and a constant sense of being “on edge” can interfere with work, relationships, and overall quality of life. If you’ve tried therapy or medications without lasting relief, you’re not alone—and there may be another option. At the Albany Clinic in Carbondale, Illinois, we specialize in ketamine therapy as a promising treatment for PTSD. Understanding PTSD Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) develops after experiencing or witnessing trauma. While everyone responds to trauma differently, common symptoms include: Intrusive memories or flashbacks Avoidance of reminders of the trauma Emotional numbness or detachment Heightened anxiety , irritability , or trouble sleeping Some people also develop complex PTSD (CPTSD) , which stems from repeated or prolonged trauma. CPTSD often comes with additional challenges, such as difficulty regulating emotions or maintaining healthy relationships. Current Treatments and Their Limitations The most common treatments for PTSD include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) , eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) , and antidepressant medications . For many people, these treatments can be helpful. However, they also come with challenges: Medications may take weeks to work and don’t help everyone. Therapy can take months or years to create lasting change. Therapies can be difficult to engage with, as they involve discussing the trauma, which can be distressing or may cause someone to shut down emotionally. Some individuals continue to experience severe symptoms despite treatment. This is where ketamine therapy offers a new avenue of hope. How Ketamine May Help PTSD Ketamine works differently from traditional antidepressants. Instead of gradually altering brain chemistry, ketamine acts quickly on key brain circuits involved in mood and fear. Rebalancing brain activity : Ketamine boosts activity in the prefrontal cortex , the part of the brain that helps regulate emotions. It also decreases activity in the amygdala , the brain’s fear center, helping reduce anxiety and hypervigilance. Promoting neuroplasticity : Ketamine encourages new connections between brain areas, helping “rewire” pathways associated with PTSD symptoms. Supporting fear extinction : Ketamine supports fear extinction, the process by which the brain ‘unlearns’ fearful responses to things it expects to be threatening. This is especially important in PTSD, where people may react to safe situations or cues as if they were actual threats. Benefits of Ketamine for PTSD Research continues to grow, but studies and clinical experience have shown several promising benefits: Rapid relief : Many patients notice improvements within hours to days, rather than weeks. This can be especially important during a mental health crisis or for those struggling with suicidal thoughts. Effective when other treatments have failed : Ketamine can offer relief even for people who haven’t responded to medications or therapy. Sustained improvement : With a series of treatments, many patients experience lasting relief from PTSD symptoms. Increases the benefits of other therapies : Ketamine may speed up the outcomes of other trauma-based therapies, such as prolonged exposure therapy . In a 2021 study , people with severe PTSD received either ketamine or a comparison drug over two weeks. Those given ketamine showed much faster and greater improvement in PTSD and depression symptoms. About 67% had significantly improved symptoms , with the biggest differences in intrusive memories, avoidance, and negative thoughts and mood. The treatment was also well-tolerated with few adverse effects. Ketamine Treatment for PTSD at the Albany Clinic At the Albany Clinic in Carbondale, Illinois, we are dedicated to providing safe, effective ketamine therapy for people with PTSD and other psychiatric disorders. We administer ketamine intravenously to support a rapid reduction in symptoms. Here’s what you can expect: A thorough medical and psychiatric evaluation before treatment begins Comfortable, private treatment rooms Careful monitoring by experienced medical professionals throughout each session A personalized treatment plan designed around your needs During your treatment, you’ll have a small plastic catheter inserted into a vein in your arm, which will deliver ketamine straight into your bloodstream. You may experience mild side effects, such as dizziness and dissociation , which can make you feel disconnected from your body and the world around you. These typically wear off after the session is finished. The infusion takes 45 minutes to one hour , and you’ll be closely monitored by staff during the infusion and afterwards to ensure your safety. We’ll provide you with guidance on aftercare once you’re done and how to make the most of your new headspace. Most people with PTSD require multiple infusions to experience sustained, meaningful changes. However, the treatment plan will be tailored according to your unique needs. Get in Touch Today If you or a loved one is struggling with PTSD and current treatments haven’t provided the relief you need, ketamine therapy may be an option worth exploring. At the Albany Clinic, we are here to answer your questions and guide you through every step of the process. Get in touch to find out more.

Innovative Depression Treatments That Saved My Life

By Matt Rodriguez • September 2, 2025
Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions, affecting millions of people across all walks of life. While many find relief through traditional methods, they don’t work for everyone. Some people can struggle with depression for nearly a lifetime, and in severe cases, may even consider taking their own lives. At The Albany Clinic, we specialize in innovative, evidence-based treatments that can help patients overcome depression, even when other therapies haven’t worked. In this article, we’ll discuss these treatments and how clinics such as our own are saving lives.

In-Clinic vs. At-Home Ketamine Therapy: What’s Best for Your Mental Health?

By Kimberly Mercille • July 9, 2025
As ketamine therapy becomes increasingly popular for treating mental health conditions like depression and PTSD, more people are exploring their options. At-home ketamine therapy gained traction during the pandemic for its convenience, but without medical supervision, this approach may come with elevated risks. In this article, we’ll explore some of the key differences and pros and cons of in-clinic versus at-home ketamine therapy. What Is In-Clinic Ketamine Therapy? IV Ketamine Treatment In-clinic ketamine therapy involves receiving treatment at a licensed medical facility, such as The Albany Clinic , where professionals monitor and administer the medication under strict protocols. This ensures your safety, especially during your initial sessions. At The Albany Clinic, we specialize in intravenous (IV) ketamine infusion therapy , which has been most well-researched when it comes to treating mental health disorders. IV ketamine bypasses the digestive system, delivering the medication directly into the bloodstream. IV ketamine can help relieve symptoms of various mental health disorders, including depression , anxiety , post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) , and more. During an infusion at our clinic, you’ll rest in a calm, controlled environment while ketamine is delivered into a vein through a catheter. Our trained staff will closely monitor your vital signs and mental state throughout the session, adjusting the dose of ketamine if needed. We’ll observe you after treatment to ensure any side effects are managed promptly and effectively. Spravato We also offer Spravato (esketamine) at our clinic, a nasal spray based on ketamine. Unlike other forms of ketamine treatment, Spravato is approved by the FDA and is specifically for adults with treatment-resistant depression or major depressive disorder with suicidal thoughts . Spravato is only approved for in-clinic use under professional supervision and cannot be administered at home, making clinical oversight a legal and medical necessity for this treatment option. During a Spravato session, you’ll self-administer the medication under the supervision of our medical staff. We’ll then closely monitor you for a couple of hours to ensure you’re safe and all side effects have subsided before leaving. What Is At-Home Ketamine Therapy? At-home ketamine therapy allows patients to self-administer the ketamine, typically in the form of lozenges or nasal sprays, delivered via mail. While this option offers flexibility, it usually involves minimal supervision , often limited to virtual check-ins with healthcare providers. Some at-home providers offer optional video support during sessions, but this is not always the case. Patients are largely responsible for monitoring their own physical and emotional reactions, without the benefit of immediate medical intervention if adverse effects occur. At-home treatment often includes supplementary materials , such as guided meditations or journaling tools. However, the lack of real-time clinical oversight makes this option less ideal for those with complex or severe mental health needs. Safety Considerations: In-Clinic vs. At-Home While ketamine therapy is considered safe for most patients, it does come with potential physical and psychological side effects , including: Physical Risks: Elevated blood pressure or heart rate Nausea or vomiting Sedation or dizziness Impaired coordination Rare allergic reactions Psychological Risks: Hallucinations or dissociation Temporary confusion or anxiety Emotional vulnerability during treatment Risk of misuse or dependency The FDA has issued warnings about at-home ketamine use due to its potential for abuse and lack of medical supervision . Without proper monitoring, the risk of addiction and long-term complications, such as bladder damage and cognitive decline, may increase. Key Differences Between In-Clinic and At-Home Ketamine Therapy