You've had at least two years - or one year in children and teenagers - of many periods of hypomania symptoms and periods of depressive symptoms (though less severe than major depression). You've had at least one major depressive episode and at least one hypomanic episode, but you've never had a manic episode. In some cases, mania may trigger a break from reality (psychosis). You've had at least one manic episode that may be preceded or followed by hypomanic or major depressive episodes. Symptoms can cause unpredictable changes in mood and behavior, resulting in significant distress and difficulty in life. They may include mania or hypomania and depression. There are several types of bipolar and related disorders.
