What Is Bipolar II Disorder?

Bipolar II is one of the three types of bipolar disorder, formally known as manic depression. Bipolar II disorder is characterized by episodes of depression and hypomania.

The symptoms of hypomania are feelings of euphoria, irritability, higher than usual sex drive, insomnia, and difficulty concentrating. An episode of hypomania is a milder form of a manic episode.

An episode of depression can cause debilitating symptoms. The person may have suicidal thoughts, feelings of hopelessness, feelings of guilt or shame, lower than usual sex drive, irritability, feelings of helplessness, and insomnia or hypersomnia.

Severe depression can lead to hallucinations or delusions related to the depressed mood. A person with hallucinations from depression may hear voices telling them to commit suicide. Severe depression can also lead to homicidal thoughts. Homicidal thoughts related to depression are often related to feelings that they would be saving their loved ones from pain if they killed them.

Bipolar II disorder is at least partially hereditary. A family history of bipolar I, bipolar II, or depression makes the person more susceptible to developing bipolar disorder than the general population.

There is no cure for bipolar II disorder. People with bipolar II can struggle to cope with episodes of the illness. If severe, symptoms of bipolar disorder can interfere with the persons ability to function.

Though most people with bipolar II disorder lead normal lives, the symptoms can cause problems with employment and interpersonal relationships. If the problems persist despite treatment, they may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits.

Bipolar II is typically treated with both therapeutic treatment and medication. The typical medications used are a mood stabilizer like Lithium or Depakote, and an antidepressant. Care must be taken to not take too much of an antidepressant or it could cause a manic episode.

If a patient is given too much of an antidepressant and it causes an episode of hypomania, their condition is sometimes called bipolar III even though bipolar III is not an official diagnosis. When someone with bipolar II has their first manic episode, their diagnosis is changed to bipolar I.