bipolar i defines patients with the classic form of this disease: recurring episodes of mania and depression. bipolar ii defines those who never experience severe mania but instead the manic episodes are milder and alternate with depression. a third term rapid cycling bipolar disorder defines those patients who experience four or more bipolar episodes within 12 months. this can include multiple episodes within one week or even within one day. this more often occurs later in the disease and is more common among women.
what is meant by "bipolar i" and "bipolar ii"?