Understanding the Difference Between Bipolar 1 and Bipolar 2
Bipolar disorder is a widely diagnosed mental health condition. However, most people do not understand the differences between Bipolar I and Bipolar II. Oftentimes, they are referenced as just “bipolar”, without recognizing the differences and challenges each type entails.
What is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder, previously known as manic depression, is characterized by intense episodes of mood related symptoms including:
Mania: Elevated or irritable mood, increased activity or energy, and impulsive or risky behavior.
Hypomania: A less severe form of mania, still noticeable but typically less disruptive.
Depression: Persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in daily activities.
Bipolar 1: The Key Feature is Mania
The primary difference of Bipolar I disorder is the presence of at least one manic episode.
What is considered a manic episode?
Manic episodes last at least one week and include severe and intense symptoms:
Inflated self-esteem or grandiosity
Decreased need for sleep
Racing or disjointed thoughts or ideas
Risky behaviors (excessive spending, reckless driving, unsafe sexual interactions, impulsive decisions)
Rapid speech
What is considered a depressive episode?
Depressive episodes will usually last at least 2 weeks. A depressive episode is not needed for diagnosis, but will often occur for individuals with Bipolar I.
Significantly depressed mood
Intense lost of interest in doing things
Hopelessness, guilt, or low self-esteem
Can lead to thoughts of harming self or dying
Disruptions in sleep and appetite
Extreme fatigue and low energy
What about psychosis?
Psychosis may occur during either a manic or depressive episode.
Mood-congruent: psychosis involves themes surrounding the mood episode individual is currently experiencing
Mood-incongruent: themes of psychosis are unrelated to current episode
Bipolar I can be highly disruptive to a person’s life. It may lead to job loss, relationship issues, and hospitalization if untreated.
Bipolar 2: Hypomania and Depression
What is considered a hypomanic episode?
Symptoms are the same, however, they are less intense and occur over a shorter period of time
Depressive episodes?
At least one occurence of a major depressive episode
Episodes last at least two weeks and can last for long periods (even up to months at a time)
More frequent
What about psychosis?
Less likely to occur
Why This Matters
Understanding the differences helps in several ways:
🌟 Accurate diagnosis: Since bipolar II can be mistaken for depression (because hypomania might feel like a burst of productivity), a clear diagnosis is key to healing.
🌟 Individualized treatment: Both types typically require a combination of medication (like mood stabilizers) and therapy, but the approach may vary based on the severity and types of mood episodes.
🌟 Reducing stigma: Many people with bipolar II don’t realize that hypomania is still a significant part of the disorder. Understanding these symptoms can help reduce self-blame and encourage individuals to seek out treatment.
