Bipolar II Disorder

Bipolar II Disorder is a medical condition that is characterized by at least one episode of depression and at least one episode of hypomania. Someone diagnosed with Bipolar II Disorder has never experienced a manic or mixed episode, but they are at risk of doing so. Once someone experiences a manic or mixed episode, they are diagnosed with Bipolar I Disorder.

A depressive episode is a period of at least two weeks during which the person has a depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure, changes in eating and sleeping habits, observable restlessness or retardation of movement, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, excessive guilt, difficulty concentrating, and thoughts of death or suicide. These symptoms cause the person experiencing them a great deal of distress. The suicidal thoughts are probably the most disturbing of depression symptoms. Even if the depressed person has no intention of harming himself or herself, the thoughts are often persist. During severe episodes, someone with Bipolar II Disorder may experience psychotic symptoms.

A person experiencing a hypomanic episode has a persistently elated or irritable mood lasting at least four days. They may have an inflated self-esteem, decreased need for sleep, racing thoughts, talkativeness, distractibility, increased goal-directed activity, and excessive involvement in pleasurable activity despite possible consequences, such as risky sexual behavior or excessive gambling. The mood during this time must be different than the person’s usual mood between depressive episodes for it to be considered a hypomanic episode. These symptoms must be observable by others.

Hypomanic episodes may not cause the affected individual to have social or occupational impairment. Quite the opposite could be true. They may have a drive to accomplish goals, which could actually benefit them. Some people experience heightened creativity and increased productivity during a hypomanic episode. The person experiencing a hypomanic episode may neglect treatment for Bipolar II Disorder, because they like the way they feel during hypomanic episodes.

In many cases, hypomanic episodes will precede or follow a depressive episode. Hypomanic episodes can last for weeks or months, but they are usually of short duration. Hypomanic episodes tend to be shorter than depressive episodes.

Treatments for Bipolar II Disorder treatment include mood-stabilizing medications, antidepressants, and therapy. Sometimes antidepressant medication, electroconvulsive therapy, and light therapy can trigger a hypomanic episode. This is not considered a true hypomanic episode. Occasionally, the antidepressant treatments can cause a manic episode. This is not to be considered a true manic episode and should not be the basis for a diagnosis of Bipolar I Disorder. Some psychiatric professionals refer to this mood disturbance due to antidepressant treatments as Bipolar III Disorder.

Living with Bipolar II Disorder is a challenge. The depression can be disabling. It is treatable. Anyone diagnosed with Bipolar II Disorder should work closely with their psychiatrist or therapist to decide which treatment options would be most helpful in learning to manage the symptoms of the disorder.

Next article: Bipolar III Disorder - Unofficial Term