Bipolar 2

Bipolar 2 disorder, or Bipolar II disorder, is a mental illness. It is the less severe form of manic-depression, when compared with Bipolar 1 disorder. In Bipolar 2 disorder, the patient suffers from manic and depressive mood swings. 

The manic episodes in Bipolar 2 disorder are called hypomania, since they are less severe than true mania.  Those with Bipolar 2 disorder have had at least on hypomanic episode in the past and also suffer from periods of depression.  

Bipolar 2 patients often live normal lives in between episodes of hypomania and depression. Like Bipolar 1, those with Bipolar 2 develop the disease in their early 20’s. It is unheard of for anyone over 50 to experience Bipolar 2 symptoms for the first time. Because Bipolar 2 runs in families, anyone with a direct relative who suffers from the disorder has a higher chance of developing it themselves.

Bipolar 2 Symptoms

Someone in a Bipolar 2 hypomanic episode is often thought of as fun and entertaining by those around him or her. He or she may be labeled "the life of the party" being talkative and jumping from one topic to the next. He or she will feel euphoric and often “high”. The Bipolar 2 hypomanic positive mood can seem infectious.

The downside of this positive mood in Bipolar 2 disorder is that it leads to often erratic and unhealthy behaviors. Bipolar 2 hypomania often leads to excessive spending, dangerous sexual encounters and other risky and impulsive behaviors.

Most people with Bipolar 2 disorder also pay for the elevated mood with a severe episode of depression occurring soon after the hypomanic episode. Sometimes there is a delay and the depressive episode comes weeks or months later. In some cases, the Bipolar 2 patient will cycle between hypomania and depression.

Depressive Bipolar 2 episodes and very similar to clinical depression as it exists in those without hypomania or mania. There is a depressed mood, loss of energy, decreased appetite and low self esteem. There may be feelings of shame and thoughts of suicide, which are common in Bipolar 2 disorder.

Bipolar 2 Treatment

If the Bipolar 2 hypomania does not result in unhealthy behaviors, it can go untreated. The patient may seem to be a relentless optimist, rather than someone who is mentally ill. Unlike mania that requires treatment, hypomania can instead be monitored as long as unhealthy behaviors are kept in check. However, sometimes medications will be used to balance moods and prevent a depressive episode from following a Bipolar 2 hypomanic one.

Because some antidepressants can set off a hypomanic episode for those with Bipolar 2, it is best to try lithium or Depakote before trying an antidepressant. If these medications fail, an antidepressant may be prescribed. Psychotherapy is also helpful for those with Bipolar 2.

Most episodes of Bipolar 2 can be prevented through medication and therapy aimed at helping the patient cope with life stresses.  Are your symptoms more severe than those listed?  Then you may have Bipolar 1 disorder.   Click here to learn more.