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Bipolar Disorder Not Otherwise Specified

David Mazoor, M.D.Published August 10, 20061 min read

The Bipolar Disorder Not Otherwise Specified category includes disorders with bipolar features that do not meet criteria for any specific Bipolar Disorder. Examples include

1. Very rapid alternation (over days) between manic symptoms and depressive symptoms that meet symptom threshold criteria but not minimal duration criteria for Manic, Hypomanic, or Major Depressive Episodes

2. Recurrent Hypomanic Episodes without intercurrent depressive symptoms

3. A Manic or Mixed Episode superimposed on Delusional Disorder, residual Schizophrenia, or Psychotic Disorder Not Otherwise Specified

4. Hypomanic Episodes, along with chronic depressive symptoms, that are too infrequent to qualify for a diagnosis of Cyclothymic Disorder

5. Situations in which the clinician has concluded that a Bipolar Disorder is present but is unable to determine whether it is primary, due to a general medical condition, or substance induced

Revised and edited by

David Mazoor, M.D.

Medically reviewedLast reviewed

The content on this site is for information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are in crisis, call or text 988 (US) or your local emergency number.

Filed underBipolar DisordersMood Disorders

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