text: what is bipolar disorder? just out of curiosity... emotional highs and lows are part of life for everyone. but for someone with bipolar disorder, these ups and downs can be so extreme they can interfere with daily life. sometimes they can even be dangerous.   one day a person with bipolar disorder may feel so depressed that they can't get out of bed. work may seem impossible.   on another day that person may feel great, full of endless energy and creativity. but other people might think that their actions are reckless and out of control.   bipolar disorder is a lifelong medical condition that can be confusing and unpredictable, but it's nothing to be embarrassed about. learning more about bipolar disorder can be helpful in managing this medical illness.   there are four main types of bipolar disorder:  bipolar i disorder  bipolar ii disorder  cyclothymic disorder  bipolar disorder not otherwise specified    bipolar i disorder - bipolar i disorder involves one or more manic or mixed episodes, and often one or more major depressive episodes. a depressive episode may last for several weeks or months. between episodes of bipolar i disorder, there may be periods of normal functioning. symptoms may also be related to seasonal changes.  bipolar ii disorder - bipolar ii disorder involves one or more major depressive episodes along with at least one hypomanic episode. hypomanic episodes have symptoms similar to manic episodes but are less severe. between episodes of bipolar ii disorder, there may be periods of normal functioning. symptoms may also be related to seasonal changes.   cyclothymic disorder - cyclothymic disorder is a long-term fluctuating mood disturbance with periods of hypomania and periods of depression. it is a milder form of bipolar disorder. that's because the periods of both depression and hypomania are shorter, less severe, and do not occur with regularity.   bipolar disorder not otherwise specified - this type of bipolar disorder is when the person does not fit into the types of bipolar disorder mentioned above. the experiences of bipolar disorder vary from person to person. just like the other types of bipolar disorder, bipolar disorder not otherwise specified is treatable.