Bipolar II Disorder

Bipolar II Disorder, the more common but by no means less severe type of the disorder is "characterized by one or more Major Depressive Episodes accompanied by one hypomanic episode." This stipulation is used mainly to differentiate it from unipolar depression.

The key difference between Bipolar I and Bipolar II is that Bipolar II has hypomanic but not manic episodes. Also, while those with Bipolar I disorder may experience additional psychotic symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations, Bipolar II by definition cannot have psychotic features.

The indicators which would lead to a diagnosis of Bipolar II Disorder are:

• One or more Major Depressive Episodes
• At least one Hypomanic Episode
• There has never been a Manic or Mixed Episode
• Another disorder is not responsible for symptoms
• Symptoms cause distress or impair functioning

Symptoms and characteristics of depression include:

• Decreased energy
• Weight loss or gain
• Despair
• Irritability
• Uncontrollable crying

Symptoms and characteristics of hypomania include:

• Grandiosity
• Decreased need for sleep
• Pressured speech
• Racing thoughts
• Distractibility
• Tendency to engage in behavior that could have serious consequences, such as spending recklessly or inappropriate sexual encounters
• Excess energy

A diagnosis of Cyclothymic Disorder requires the presence of numerous hypomanic episodes, intermingled with depressive episodes that do not meet full criteria for major depressive episodes.

If an individual clearly seems to be suffering from some type of bipolar disorder but does not meet the criteria for one of the subtypes above, he or she receives a diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder NOS (Not Otherwise Specified).

Next article: Bipolar II Disorder

Followed by:

Bipolar III Disorder - Unofficial Term

When Major Depression Becomes Bipolar Disorder

Major Depression, Dysthymic Disorder, And Cyclothymic Disorder