"Bipolar disorder" and "mixed bipolar" are not distinct diagnostic terms in the field of psychiatry. However, I suspect you might be referring to the difference between different types of bipolar disorder and, specifically, the concept of "mixed features" within bipolar disorder.
Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder characterized by alternating periods of depression and mania (or, in some cases, hypomania). There are several types of bipolar disorder, including:
Bipolar I Disorder: This type involves experiencing at least one manic episode that may be followed by depressive episodes.
Bipolar II Disorder: In this type, individuals experience at least one major depressive episode and at least one hypomanic episode (a milder form of mania). They never experience full-blown manic episodes.
Cyclothymic Disorder: This is a milder form of bipolar disorder characterized by numerous periods of hypomanic symptoms and depressive symptoms over at least a two-year period.
Other Specified or Unspecified Bipolar and Related Disorders: This category includes cases that don't fit precisely into the above types but still involve mood dysregulation.
Mixed features, on the other hand, refer to the simultaneous presence of symptoms of both mania/hypomania and depression within the same episode of bipolar disorder. For instance, an individual may experience the energy and elevated mood associated with mania or hypomania, but at the same time, they might feel sad, hopeless, or irritable (typical symptoms of depression). This combination of symptoms is often referred to as a "mixed episode."
In a mixed episode, someone with bipolar disorder may experience rapidly shifting emotions, which can be extremely challenging for the person experiencing it. Mixed episodes are more commonly associated with bipolar I disorder, but they can occur in other forms of bipolar disorder as well.
It's crucial to remember that diagnosing and treating bipolar disorder is a complex task and should be done by a qualified mental health professional. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms suggestive of bipolar disorder, it's essential to seek a thorough evaluation from a psychiatrist or other mental health provider to receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.