Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder and is not classified as either psychotic or neurotic. Instead, it is categorized as a mood disorder within the broader category of mental health conditions.
The terms "psychotic" and "neurotic" are older and less precise concepts that were previously used to describe certain types of mental illnesses. However, they are not widely used in modern psychiatric classifications, such as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) or the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10).
In the past, "psychotic" referred to disorders where individuals experienced a loss of touch with reality, such as schizophrenia, where hallucinations and delusions are prominent symptoms. "Neurotic" referred to disorders that caused significant distress and impaired functioning but did not involve a complete break from reality, such as anxiety disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Bipolar disorder is characterized by periods of extreme mood swings, which can include depressive episodes and manic or hypomanic episodes. During manic episodes, individuals may experience elevated or irritable moods, increased energy, decreased need for sleep, impulsive behavior, and grandiose thoughts. During depressive episodes, they may feel sad, hopeless, have low energy, and experience difficulty in performing daily activities.
While bipolar disorder can sometimes involve psychotic symptoms (e.g., during severe manic or depressive episodes), it is not considered a primary psychotic disorder. It is a distinct mood disorder that requires appropriate diagnosis and treatment from mental health professionals.