Bipolar III is not an official psychiatric diagnosis. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) is the reference book used to diagnose mental illnesses. Bipolar III is not included in the DSM.
The term bipolar III has two common uses. Cyclothymia is a mild form of bipolar disorder that is sometimes called bipolar III. Symptoms of mania caused by antidepressants may be called bipolar III.
Cyclothymia is a mild form of bipolar disorder that causes recurrent episodes of depression that are not severe enough to meet the criteria for clinical depression. These depressive episodes may be followed by episodes of hypomania. Cyclothymia is sometimes called soft bipolar since it is a mild form of bipolar disorder.
Cyclothymia may be diagnosed for people with recurrent depressive episodes even if they have never had an episode of hypomania if the person has a family history of bipolar disorder or a temperament with characteristics like optimism, overconfidence, extroverted, inflated self-esteem, and over-involvement in other peoples lives as well as a minimal need for sleep.
Bipolar III is also used in reference to mania that has been caused by excess antidepressants. People with bipolar disorder or clinical depression are commonly treated with antidepressants.
Antidepressants are often an important component in the treatment for mood disorders. Sometimes, a psychiatrist must try several different antidepressants and dosages before the right combination for the individual is found.
If the bipolar III is due to antidepressants, the psychiatrist will make adjustments to the dosage or change the prescribed medication. Bipolar III that is cyclothymia may be treated with medication and cognitive therapy.
If someone who is diagnosed with cyclothymia has a manic episode, the diagnosis is likely to be changed to bipolar I. Sometimes, people become frustrated by changing diagnoses, but sometimes it is necessary for a doctor to change diagnoses to reflect changes in the persons symptoms.
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