People with bipolar I experience manic episodes. Common symptoms during manic episodes – which last ≥1 week – include an unusual increase in self-esteem, a decreased need for sleep, feeling unusually important, racing thoughts, increased energy, and risky behaviors (spending too much money, reckless driving, etc.).
People with bipolar II experience hypomanic episodes, which are milder symptoms of mania.
People with bipolar I and II experience depressive episodes. Common symptoms during depressive episodes – which last ≥2 weeks – include feeling sad or hopeless, losing interest in previously enjoyable activities, increased or decreased appetite, excessive fatigue, and suicidal thoughts.
There may also be mixed episodes where both manic and depressive symptoms co-occur.
People with cyclothymic disorder experience symptoms of both hypomanic and depressive episodes, but don’t meet the criteria for these episodes. [1][2]