Bipolar 2 Disorder Information

Bipolar II disorder is a mood disorder described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Overall, bipolar II disorder is a less severe type of condition than bipolar I disorder, commonly known as manic depression. The mood swings in bipolar II disorder are generally less extreme and fluctuate more frequently than in other types of mood disorders. Treatment for bipolar disorders is overall consistently similar for all types, however lower doses of medications may be effective enough to manage mood symptoms of bipolar II disorder.

Diagnosis

• Diagnosing bipolar II disorder can be done by a trained mental health professional after taking a thorough history during an psychosocial evaluation. Bipolar II disorder is identified when there are recurrent major depressive episodes coupled with mild manic episodes. Bipolar II disorder symptoms can range from mild to severe and the condition is diagnosed if the patient experiences significant distress or change in level of functioning.

Major Depressive Episode

• Feeling sad and empty every day for at least two weeks, loss of pleasure and energy, difficulties sleeping, appetite changes, extreme lethargy or restlessness, poor concentration and suicidal thoughts are all symptoms of a major depressive episode. Recurrent major depressive episodes are diagnosed when at least two distinct major depressive episodes have occurred and interfere with a person's ability to function as well as when at baseline.

Hypomanic Episode

• Inflated self-esteem, feeling rested after little sleep, pressured speech, increased creativity with flight of ideas and increased participation in goal-directed activities or high risk behavior are symptoms of hypomania. These symptoms affect functioning, but are not as severe as the full-blown mania that is characteristic of bipolar I disorder. Psychotic symptoms can be a part of hypomanic episodes.

Treatment

• Treating bipolar II disorder may require the use of medications, depending on the severity of symptoms. Anticonvulsants (valproic acid, carbamazepine) and mood stabilizers (lithium, Lamictal) are effective in managing mood swings and preventing episodes of major depression and hypomania. Counseling can help a person develop coping skills and healthy habits that can minimize the risk of cyclical mood swings. Bipolar II disorder can be successfully managed on an outpatient basis.

Other Factors

• General medical conditions and substance abuse must be ruled out as caused of unusual behavior as some of these conditions can mimic symptoms of bipolar II disorder, particularly if the patient is older than 40. Typically, bipolar II disorder will be diagnosed in early adulthood when symptoms become distressful or even intolerable. Bipolar II patients are at risk for a suicide rate of 10 to 15 percent, especially during episodes of major depression. Therefore, effective treatment is recommended.