Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition in which a person experiences extreme mood changes. Individuals with bipolar disorder can shift sharply between periods of elevated mood and energy (mania) and episodes of depression. Based on symptom patterns and the intensity of episodes, bipolar disorder is grouped into several types, including bipolar I disorder and bipolar II disorder. So, what distinguishes bipolar I disorder from bipolar II disorder?

Differences Between Bipolar I Disorder and Bipolar II Disorder

According to Healthline, bipolar disorder includes four categories: bipolar I disorder, bipolar II disorder, cyclothymia, and other specified or unspecified bipolar disorders. Of these, bipolar I disorder and bipolar II disorder are the most frequently identified. Although both involve mood fluctuations, the episodes seen in bipolar I disorder are not the same as those in bipolar II disorder.

Medical News Today reports that the term bipolar II disorder was introduced in 1994 to help clinicians manage patients more effectively. As clinical knowledge has grown, some experts suggest viewing bipolar conditions on a spectrum that ranges in symptoms, course, and severity. Even so, the bipolar I disorder and bipolar II disorder categories remain widely used for diagnosis.

Some differences between bipolar I disorder and bipolar II disorder include:

1. Symptoms Experienced

Generally, people with bipolar disorder have two types of episodes: a manic episode or hypomania, and a depressive episode. In bipolar I disorder, a person experiences at least one manic episode, with or without depressive episodes. Manic periods feature very high excitement, happiness, and energy. In bipolar I disorder, mania can be accompanied by psychotic features such as hallucinations or delusions.

In bipolar II disorder, a person experiences at least one depressive episode and a hypomanic episode but does not have psychotic symptoms like hallucinations. In bipolar II disorder, depression often dominates and may last longer. One study found that in bipolar I disorder, depression occurs in about 30% of episodes, whereas in bipolar II disorder, depressive episodes can make up about 50%. Common signs in bipolar II disorder include marked fatigue, reduced enthusiasm and energy, feelings of hopelessness, and sudden sleepiness.

2. Treatments

In bipolar I disorder, manic episodes can lead to overly cheerful and elevated moods. This state can drive risky or harmful actions, such as uncontrolled spending or unsafe sexual behavior. People with bipolar I disorder who are in a manic episode are often advised to be hospitalized.

In bipolar II disorder, there are no manic episodes, only hypomanic episodes. Hypomania is a period when a person feels more active and energetic than usual. These episodes are generally milder and less extreme than mania. Most individuals with bipolar II disorder do not need hospitalization and can be managed with medicines prescribed by a doctor.

The cause of bipolar disorder is unknown, and the condition can persist for a long time. With proper treatment and support from family or loved ones, people with bipolar disorder can live normal, productive lives. Because symptoms may appear without the person realizing it, anyone who experiences severe mood swings should consult a doctor for appropriate care.

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