Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that is characterized by extreme changes in mood, energy, and behavior. While there are many different ways to describe the stages of bipolar disorder, one common way is to divide the illness into four stages:
Early stage: During the early stage of bipolar disorder, an individual may experience their first episode of mania or hypomania. This can be a challenging time as they may not recognize the symptoms as being part of an illness and may not seek treatment.
Established stage: During the established stage, an individual has had at least one episode of mania or hypomania and may have also experienced one or more episodes of depression. The symptoms of the illness may begin to interfere with their daily functioning.
Late stage: During the late stage, an individual may have had multiple episodes of mania, hypomania, and depression. The symptoms of the illness may significantly impact their daily life and relationships.
Recovery stage: In the recovery stage, an individual is able to manage their symptoms and maintain stability with the help of treatment. They may still experience occasional symptoms, but they are able to function effectively and lead a fulfilling life.
It is important to note that these stages are not necessarily linear and an individual with bipolar disorder may move back and forth between stages. It is also important to seek treatment as early as possible to improve the chances of a full recovery.