Bipolar II disorder is a mental illness Bipolar II is similar to Bipolar I Disorder, with moods cycling between high and low over time.
However, in bipolar II disorder, the highs never reach full mania. The less intense elevated moods in bipolar II disorder are called hypomania.
A person affected by bipolar II disorder has had at least one hypomanic episode in life. Most people with bipolar II disorder also suffer from episodes of depression.
In between episodes of hypomania and depression, many people with bipolar II disorder return to normal states. Bipolar II is fairly common and anyone can develop bipolar II disorder. Almost six million people in the United States have Bipolar Disorder.
Most people are in their late teens or early 20s when the symptoms of Bipolar Disorder first start. Usually everyone with bipolar II disorder develops it before age 50 and people with an immediate family member with bipolar are at higher risk.
During a hypomanic episode, elevated mood can be either euphoria or irritability.
Symptoms during hypomanic episodes include: Thoughts that suddenly jump from one idea to the next, rapid, and loud speech, increased energy, with hyperactivity and a decreased need for sleep
People experiencing hypomanic episodes can be pleasant to be around. They can often making joke, taking an intense interest in other people and activities, and have a very positive mood. However, hypomania can also lead to erratic and unhealthy behavior. People in hypomanic episodes might spend money they don't have, have sex with people they normally would not, and engage in impulsive or risky behaviors.
Also, people with bipolar II disorder experience significant depressive episodes. These can occur soon after hypomania subsides, or much later. Some people cycle back and forth between hypomania and depression, while others have long periods of normal mood in between episodes.
Untreated, an episode of hypomania can last for a few days to several years. Usually the symptoms continue for a few weeks to a few months.
Depressive episodes in bipolar II disorder are similar to clinical depression, with depressed mood, loss of pleasure, low energy and activity, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, and thoughts of death and suicide. Depressive symptoms of bipolar disorder can last weeks, months.
Hypomania often seen as happiness and relentless optimism; when hypomania is not causing unhealthy behavior, it generally goes untreated. This is in contrast to true mania, which nearly always requires treatment with medication. For some people Bipolar II can progress into Bipolar I more research is being done on this supposition.
Bipolar II should not go untreated; usually the episodes are mild and do not require medication, but it may be necessary to use antidepressents for the depression they may experience. Therapy proves helpful and most people can return to their normal lives.
