Bipolar II disorder

Bipolar II disorder is a mental illness. Bipolar II is similar to other affective disorders with moods cycling between high and low over time.

However, in bipolar II disorder, the high moods never reach full mania. The less intense elevated moods in bipolar II disorder are called hypomanic episodes, or hypomania.

A person with 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 live normal lives.

Anyone can develop bipolar II disorder. Most people are in their in their late teens or early 20s when bipolar disorder first starts. Nearly everyone with bipolar II disorder develops it before age 50. People with an immediate family member with bipolar are high risk.

During a hypomanic episode, elevated mood can shows as either euphoria, a high, or as irritability. Jumping suddenly from one idea to the next called racing thoughts.  They speak rapidly, often speaking very loudly. Increased energy, with hyperactivity and a decreased need for sleep

People experiencing hypomanic episodes are often enjoyable to be around. They seem like the life of the party making jokes, taking an intense interest in other people and activities, and influencing others with their positive mood.

 Hypomania can also lead to erratic and unhealthy behavior. People in hypomanic episodes might spend money they do not have; have sex with people they normally would not and be impulsive or risky behavior.

People with bipolar II disorder can experience severe 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 anywhere from a few days to several years. The symptoms usually last 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 suicide. Depressive symptoms of bipolar disorder can last weeks, months, or rarely years.

Hypomania often appears as happiness and relentless optimism. When hypomania is not causing unhealthy behavior, it generally goes untreated. It in differs from true mania, which nearly always requires treatment with medication.

People with bipolar II disorder can benefit from mood stabilizers that level out moods over the long term. These prevent the destructive parts of hypomania, and also help to prevent episodes of depression.

People with severe or frequent episodes of mania or depression should take medicines on a continuous basis for prevention.

The causes of bipolar disorder are not fully known. Researchers have different opinions about bipolar II disorder can be prevented entirely.

It is possible to prevent some episodes of hypomania or depression, once bipolar disorder has developed. Regular therapy sessions with a psychologist can stabilize mood, leading to fewer hospitalizations and relieve emotions that the episodes caused by the episodes. Taking medicine on a regular basis also leads to fewer hypomanic or depressive episodes.

People with bipolar I disorder experience true mania. This is a severe, abnormally elevated mood with erratic behavior. Manic symptoms lead to serious disruptions in life, causing legal or major personal problems.

In bipolar II disorder, the symptoms of elevated mood never reach full mania. Bipolar II is a milder form of bipolar disorder.