What is bipolar 2?

Bipolar II disorder is a mental illness that causes alternating periods of depression and hypomania. Hypomania is a milder form of mania that is characterized by elevated mood, increased activity, and decreased need for sleep. Unlike bipolar I disorder, which is characterized by episodes of mania or mixed episodes, bipolar II disorder does not include episodes of mania. Episodes of hypomania in bipolar II must last for at least four days, and symptoms of depression must be present for most of the time between hypomanic episodes. Bipolar II disorder is often misdiagnosed as major depression or unipolar depression. Accurate diagnosis and treatment of bipolar II disorder is essential for managing the symptoms and preventing episodes of depression and hypomania.