Bipolar disorders are a class of mood disorders characterized by manic episodes, mixed episodes and usually major depressive episodes. DSM-V distinguishes between several types: bipolar I, bipolar II, cyclothymic disorder, substance/medication-induced bipolar and related disorder, bipolar and related disorder due to another medical condition, other specified bipolar and related disorder, and unspecified bipolar and related disorder.

In ICD-10, the equivalent disorders are categorized under bipolar affective disorders, and do not include cyclothymia, which is classified as a persistent mood disorder.

Bipolar disorder lecture:
Personal Reflections on Manic-Depressive Illness, Dr. Kay Redfield Jamison

Bipolar disorder interview:
Bipolar Disorder, Interview with James Potash