Bipolar disorder may recur throughout an individual’s life if they have had it before. Those who are being treated do lead quality lives, but about 25% of those diagnosed have regular symptoms throughout. 

The two major forms of bipolar disorder are known as Bipolar I or Bipolar II, but there is also a state known as rapid cycling. Bipolar I disorder is the most common form of the illness, characterized by recurring moments of depression and mania. Bipolar II disorder is different because it is not dependent on extreme mania; instead moderate moments of mania are evident with depression. The other form of the disorder is called rapid cycling, characterized by numerous episodes within a year. This is not a specific type of bipolar disorder because it is thought that any bipolar sufferer can experience this only to return to their primary form of the illness, within a short time period.
There are 4 lesser-known forms of bipolar disorder and they include:

- Bipolar III Disorder – Mild depression and hypomania
- Bipolar IV Disorder – Depression often without any mania
- Bipolar V Disorder – Depression with NO mania
- Bipolar VI Disorder – Mania without depression

In most scenarios, living a good quality of life is expected if the illness is treated and properly managed. Trouble begins when the disorder goes untreated, as it does worsen and increase the person’s manic and depressive states. 

Diagnosis Types

• Bipolar I Disorder is characterized by:- One or more manic episodes
  - Major depressive episode usually, although not always
  - Episodes are not due to a medical condition or prior substance abuse
  - Cannot be attributed to a psychotic disorder
  - 90% recurrence in episodes
  - Extreme social and familial consequences
  - Suicide rate is as high as 20% in some instances

• Bipolar II Disorder is characterized by:
  
  One or more depressive episode, with at least momentary hypomania (a     reduced state of mania)
  
  No extremely heightened mood levels or emotions evident
  
  Often induced by substance abuse and prior medical condition
  
  Not the same as schizophrenia, although symptoms may appear similar

• Bipolar II Disorder is characterized by:
  
  One or more depressive episode, with at least momentary hypomania
   (a reduced state of mania)
  
  No extremely heightened mood levels or emotions evident
  
  Often induced by substance abuse and prior medical condition
  
  Not the same as schizophrenia, although symptoms may appear similar