What Is the Diagnostic Criteria for Bipolar II?

The diagnostic criteria for Bipolar II disorder, like other bipolar conditions and mental illnesses, are established by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). This is a publication of the American Psychiatric Association (APA).

Features

• According to the Mayo Clinic, Bipolar II disorder is characterized by hypomania, a less severe and shorter term variety of the mania experienced by people with bipolar disorder.

Criteria

• The Mayo Clinic reports that in order to be diagnosed with Bipolar II, an individual must have one incident of depression as well as one incident of hypomania.

Time Frame

• According to the University of Maryland Medical center (UMM), hypomanic episodes last for approximately four days at a time. People with Bipolar II also have shorter periods of time without symptoms than people with Bipolar I.

Diagnosis

• A number of different tools are used to diagnose bipolar disorder per The Mayo Clinic. These include physical examination, blood work, and a psychological evaluation.

Considerations

• People who believe they may have Bipolar II disorder, or another mental health illness, should seek out professional treatment. Untreated mental illness can impact all parts of person's life.