Bipolar disorder NOS

Bipolar disorder NOS (Not Otherwise Specified) is defined by the DSM is a more general category of bipolar disorders that do not fit the descriptions of bipolar I disorder, bipolar II disorder, or cyclothymic disorder. Examples of when this diagnosis is used include:
*Very rapid alternation (over days) between manic symptoms and depressive symptoms that have enough symptoms but do not last for long enough to be considered a full episode
*Recurrent hypomanic episodes without periods of depressive symptoms
*A manic episode or mixed episode that occurs at the same time as schizophrenia or another psychotic disorder
*Hypomanic episodes as well as depressive symptoms that aren't frequent enough to be cyclothymic disorder
*When a clinician has found the presence of a bipolar disorder, but it is unknown if the condition is caused by a medical condition or due to the effects of drugs or medication.
To meet clinical standards these symptoms also must cause significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
The condition is also not caused or explained by the following:
*Due to effects of drugs or medication
*Due to a medical condition
This diagnosis is not used if the person has had any of the following:
*Major depressive episode - see Major depressive disorder instead
*Manic episode - see Bipolar I disorder instead
*Mixed episode - see Bipolar I disorder instead
*Hypomanic episode - see Bipolar II disorder instead
Category:Bipolar