Bipolar Disorder NOS

Bipolar Disorder NOS: Depression Symptoms Guide

This article is part of the Depression Symptoms Guide. In this part of the series, we will examine the type of depression known as Bipolar Disorder NOS (Not Otherwise Specified).

Bipolar Disorder NOS is a part of the bipolar disorder spectrum of mood disorders, which are often also referred to as manic-depressive disorder, manic depression or bipolarism. Bipolar disorder NOS, often referred to as ’sub-threshold’ bipolar disorder, is a kind of ‘catch-all’ diagnosis given to those who, while still showing symptoms of mania and depression, do not fit into any of the formal bipolar diagnostic categories as outlined by the DSM-IV-TR.^[1]

Though the ’sub-threshold’ label might suggest that bipolar disorder NOS is a milder form of bipolar disorder, the condition can still significantly impair and adversely affect the quality of life of the patient.

Symptoms

The symptoms of bipolar disorder NOS can be very broad, and potentially encompass the symptoms of all other forms of bipolar disorder. Therefore, as with other types of bipolar disorder, the symptoms of bipolar disorder NOS may include:

Mania.
Hypomania.
Major depressive disorder.
Lengthy periods of feeling ‘high’, overly happy or outgoing.
Irritability, agitation and feeling ‘jumpy’ or ‘wired’.
Racing thoughts and fast speech.
Restlessness.
Insomnia.
Delusions of grandeur.
Hypersexuality.
Impulsive behaviours such as spending sprees or unwise financial choices.
High-risk behaviours such as careless or dangerous use of drugs or alcohol.

Diagnosis

Bipolar disorder NOS is diagnosed when the symptoms of a bipolar-like disorder are clearly present, but these symptoms do not fit another diagnosis under the DSM-IV-TR.^[1].

The disorder can appear similar to rapid cycling bipolar disorder, and a diagnosis of bipolar disorder NOS may also be given when the sufferer experiences manic or dysphoric mania episodes that appear to be part of a delusional disorder, residual schizophrenia, or a form of psychosis that is difficult to classify.

A diagnosis of bipolar disorder NOS may also be used provisionally, to indicate that while a bipolar disorder seems to be present, there is not yet enough information to make a formal diagnosis of a specific type of bipolar disorder.

Getting Help

Just as with any form of mood disorder, bipolar disorder NOS is a serious medical condition requiring proper medical treatment. If you or someone you know is experiencing a number of the symptoms listed above, it is important that expert medical advice is obtained quickly.