What Is Bipolar II Disorder?
Many have heard about bipolar disorder, but lots of people do not realize that there are actually two distinct types of this condition. Bipolar disorder is characterized by repeated, significant mood and behavior shifts between mania and depression. People with bipolar I disorder may have more intense episodes of mania, which is characterized by extroverted, spontaneous, and often erratic and impulsive behaviors that can quickly turn dangerous. Yet people with bipolar II disorder may not experience mood cycles with the same level of intensity.
When it comes to recognizing the symptoms and getting treatment early, it’s important to understand the differences. Here are a few guidelines to help you identify and understand bipolar II disorder.
Does Bipolar II Disorder Involve Mania?
Yes, people with bipolar II disorder still experience mania. However, because mania is not as intense for people with bipolar II as it is for people with bipolar I, they might not realize that these episodes are problematic. In fact, people with bipolar II are said to experience “hypomanic” episodes.
At first, they might just seem like they're having a great time and feeling exceptionally confident. But this uninhibited confidence can lead to troubling behaviors like substance abuse, gambling, or other dangerous choices. They might worry their friends when they make sudden decisions that put them at a high risk of getting hurt.
Depression and Bipolar II Disorder
Individuals with bipolar II disorder are more susceptible to suffering from depression than hypomania. They may experience lulls when they feel exceptionally sluggish, fatigued, and unmotivated. During depressive episodes, they might feel guilt and shame for things they’ve done when hypomanic, or they may feel frustrated that they don’t seem capable of sustaining their previous high energy levels.
How Long Do Mood Cycles Last for Bipolar II Disorder?
Someone with bipolar II disorder who is in a depressive episode may feel that way for weeks or months. In rare cases, the depressive episodes can even last for years. On the other hand, hypomanic episodes can go on for days to months. Generally, these periods will be shorter than the depressive episodes, but this can differ for each individual. People with bipolar II disorder might swing directly from depressive to hypomanic episodes, or they have extended stretches of time in between when they feel “normal.”
Why Might Bipolar II Disorder Go Untreated?
It can be harder for people with bipolar II disorder to figure out what they’re struggling with and get the appropriate treatment. This is because people with bipolar II disorder often have long stretches of depressive episodes, which means they might understandably mistake their symptoms for depression and seek treatment for a condition that they do not have.
Long periods of time can pass before they have hypomanic episodes, which are not always obvious as a form of mania. They might view these episodes as sudden, welcome bursts of energy that break them free from depression, rather than as a symptom of a serious mental health condition.
Treatment for Bipolar II Disorder
Seeking treatment for bipolar II disorder is always a smart choice. Left untreated, people with this condition can end up engaging in self-destructive behaviors that lead to dangerous consequences. Making the effort to find a therapist they connect with is worth it. Treatment can involve both talk therapy and medication. The exact modalities and medications will depend on the individual’s specific symptoms.
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Do you suspect that you might be struggling with symptoms of Bipolar II Disorder? Your therapist can help you manage these complex feelings. Reach out to us to find out more about bipolar disorder counseling.