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Bipolar disorder NOS (Not Otherwise Specified) is a diagnosis for bipolar disorder (BD) when it does not fall within the other established sub-types. Bipolar NOS is described as drastic changes in mood, and is thus considered a mood disorder. A diagnosis of Bipolar NOS occurs when there is a rapid change (days) between manic and depressive symptoms and can also include reoccurring Hypomania episodes. If an individual is manic with an underlying disorder such as schizophrenia or psychotic disorder NOS. Bipolar NOS will also be diagnosed if a bipolar disorder is present, but it is impossible to tell whether it is the primary disorder due to a general medical condition, such as substance abuse.

Bipolar disorder is exceedingly hard to diagnose. If a person displays some symptoms categorized as a bipolar disorder but not others the clinician has no choice but to diagnose as bipolar NOS. According to Cynthia D. Bader in her journal article arguing the broadening of the bipolar spectrum, clinicians have such a hard time diagnosing this disorder because the DSM still does not list specific criteria for Bipolar NOS and only three examples of what bipolar NOS could be. She argues that in order to provide better help for people with this disorder that we should broaden the spectrum that determines what this disorder is.

Even though bipolar disorder is fairly hard to diagnose, it has been estimated that about 2.4% of the population has this disorder. However, Bader has speculated that if the spectrum was broadened as she suggested that that percentage would actually be raised to 6% of the population.

Bipolar disorder I
Much like bipolar disorder NOS, bipolar disorder I is diagnosed as having at least one episode of mania. Mania is described as an intense high. At first this seems like it would be appealing but it is often accompanied by risky behavior such as drug use, sexual behavior, or financial issues. Depression usually follows this euphoria as the individual often regrets their actions while experiencing mania.

Bipolar disorder II
Bipolar Disorder II has the same symptoms has bipolar disorder I, though depression is usually more prevalent in bipolar disorder II than in the other two disorders, also hypomaina, a slightly milder form of mania is often associated with bipolar disorder II. Symptoms of bipolar disorder II are usually not severe enough to effect day to day life.

Treatment
Because of the extreme ups and downs associated with bipolar disorder it is essential to seek treatment. There are many different types of treatment for bipolar disorder NOS, though the most common is mood stabilizing medications, such as lithium. Psychotherapy can also be helpful to those individuals living with Bipolar disorder NOS. In this way these individuals can learn way to cope with their disorder as well as talking to a professional about the problems bipolar disorder NOS has cause in their lives. Another key treatment to bipolar disorder NOS is managing your lifestyle. It is very important to keep on a schedule with regular exercise and minimal stress.