The manic depressive condition is better known as bipolar disorder, which is usually not very easy to diagnose. Flux, is one of the main symptoms. It is common for patients with this condition to see many changes and fluctuations related to their moods, thinking pattern and behavior.

The diagnosic subtypes of bipolar disorder are static descriptions of a disease in constant change, and individuals may stay in one subtype or change between the varying degress of bipolar over the course of their illness.

As clinically diagnosed, there are currently four types of bipolar illness. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV-TR, the method used to diagnose the disorder and other mental diseases, details four categories of bipolar disorder. These categories are Bipolar I, Bipolar II, Cyclothymia, and Bipolar Disorder Not Otherwise Specified.

For type 1 bipolar condition to be diagnosed, an episode of mania or a mixed episode is essential, with or without the presence of a depressive episode. However, depressive episodes are frequently associated with bipolar disorder.

On the other hand, Bipolar II is typically featured by an episode of mania and at least one depressive episode.

A diagnosis of Cyclothymic Disorder requires the presence of numerous hypomanic episodes, intermingled with depressive episodes that aren't up to the full criteria that characterizes a full depressive episode. The main point of Cyclothymia is that there is a low grade cycling of moods which seems to be a personality trait to a casual observer, but is really a form of bipolar that interferes with normal functioning.

As the name explains, Bipolar Disorder Not Otherwise Specified means the disorder is definitely there, but it can't be classified under any of the earlier mentioned categories. This is because the mood swings, energy fluctuation and depression episodes are present, but not as extensively as it would need to be specifically diagnosed under one type.

Bipolar patients can easily be misdiagnosed with clinical depression, because depression is the most obvious sign in first-time help seekers. Because of this issue, it's important for a psychiatric practitioner to investigate the patient's history thoroughly before diagnosing the condition. It's crucial to find out if hypomanic or manic episodes have taken place during the patient's present state of mind.