Bipolar 2 Symptoms

Bipolar 2 disorder features a less severe form of mania which is called hypomania to differentiate it from the normal mania of bipolar 1. Hypomania is distinguished from normal mania in terms of its strength and duration, with hypomania being far milder than normal mania. The symptoms for both are otherwise the same, see symptoms of bipolar disorder for more information. As well as this hypomania the depression is just as dangerous. While a single bout of this sort may seem like nothing to be overly concerned with, such lingering behaviors may be accompanied by feelings of inadequacy and worthlessness. The danger here is if these feelings lead to losing touch with reality, engaging in risky behaviors, or thoughts of suicide. Despite the potential seriousness of this condition, bipolar type 2 symptoms, once properly diagnosed, may be treated by a number of medications and therapies.

Learn more about Bipolar Type 2 and you will be able to discuss it more effectively

Bipolar i vs Bipolar ii

Considering bipolar 1 vs bipolar 2 symptoms you may have realized that there’s a lot of similarities between both, with the major diffference being the intensity of the manic behaviour of bipolar ii vs the manic behaviour of type i. Despite the differences, both disorders may lead to hazardous thoughts, irrational perceptions, risk taking during the manic stages and severe bouts of depression. Both conditions require a proper diagnosis as well as a comprehensive treatment plan, and the goals for both of these disorders typically involve providing strategies for dealing with damaged relationships by administering helpful medications and various interpersonal therapies.

The difference between bipolar 1 and 2 may be most noted in retrospect by an expert in the disorder. Should the symptoms appear, whether you believe yourself or your relative to have type one or type two, the best policy is always to seek professional help as soon as possible. Both types may respond well to drug therapy, provided that the medications are selected with regard to potential drug interactions and side effects. An individualized treatment plan is essential regardless of bipolar type, and it may take a bit of time to find an appropriate pharmaceutical remedy. The right medication and therapeutic regimen, however, can lead to a rebalanced life and lifestyle.

Bipolar Type 2 Treatment

Negative or otherwise unhealthy thoughts are often followed by reactions and behaviors that make it difficult for those who suffer from bipolar disorder from functioning. This is why treatment often focuses on replacing harmful and distorted thoughts with feelings that are positive and introducing good coping strategies. Effective treatment is usually a combination pharmaceuticals along with behavioral, cognitive, and various social therapies. Severe episodes may even be best handled with a brief hospitalization at the outset of treatment in order to protect someone with bipolar disorder from undue harm as an appropriate therapy regimen is developed.

Lithium has a long association in terms of treating bipolar disorders, and the positive results tend to be supported by a large amount of medical research. Antipsychotic drugs often work in terms of mood stabilization, and combining lithium with certain antidepressants helps individuals feel and function better as well. In some severe cases anticonvulsant drugs may be effective and appropriate, especially if sleep patterns, eating habits, and daily functioning in general have been greatly disturbed. Conditions such as hypothyroidism and other unrelated medications may even cause bipolar problems, which underscores why it is so important to have a treatment plan that is tailored to meet individual needs. Carefully selected drug therapy and social therapies designed to encourage better interpersonal interactions and thought processes are typical and effective treatment options.

Conclusion

As with bipolar type 1, seeking help as early as possible is essential, and will naturally help to deal with the condition over the long term. Understanding the symptoms is a large part of this, and understanding how they will effect sufferers of the condition helps when discussing treatment with professionals who can further guide the patient on their path to wellness.

Bipolar 1 Disorder Symptoms

Bipolar disorder type 1 typically manifests with severe manic symptoms and alternating depressive episodes. The manic episodes with type 1 are far worse than with type 2 in both strength and duration, otherwise the symptoms of bipolar disorder are the same for both. While this form is often the most difficult to control, the right combination of medication can help regulate mood and halt the dangerous fluctuations that can lead to negative thoughts and behaviors. Due to the potential serious side effects often linked to bipolar medications, however, these pharmaceuticals must be administered and taken with considerable care. Taken improperly, some medications may even trigger the manic episodes they were designed to control. Often a combination of treatments works best. Ignoring the condition is a bad idea, as studies have shown that recognising the symptoms and seeking help early can stop the condition from getting worse. Extraordinary highs followed by long bouts of depression will signal an uncontrolled disorder.

Understanding Bipolar i will help you tackle it

Bipolar 1 vs Bipolar 2

When comparing bipolar i vs bipolar ii symptoms, the differences may seem to indicate to completely unrelated conditions. Unlike type 1, type 2 is characterized by markedly slow movements, slower than normal speech, and excessive sleeping. Feeling worthless and being out of touch with reality are also part of type 2 bipolar disorder. Bipolar 1 and 2 difference in terms of symptoms notwithstanding, effective treatments often have similarities for addressing the suicidal thoughts, severe depression, delusions, and hallucinations that may occur. Goals for both include repairing damaged relationships with various pharmaceutical, group, and interpersonal therapies.

Prescribing lithium often produces good results, as this medication helps produce a calming effect when combined with other therapies. Results often include a rebalancing of daily activities such as eating, sleeping, exercising, and other routine but important aspects of everyday life. Successful therapy sessions often help patients regain a sense of normalcy when interacting with friends and family as well. While a particularly manic episode may seem most disruptive and potentially dangerous, the withdrawn behaviors associated with type 2 may be equally devastating if they affect your work, personal, or family life. Despite the differences, types 1 and 2 require individualized treatments that take into account any relevant gender, genetic, or environmental considerations.

Bipolar 1 treatment

Effective treatment typically includes identifying the negative thoughts that often inhibit appropriate functioning and replacing them with thoughts that encourage feeling positive and using appropriate coping strategies. Lithium is often popular in terms of pharmaceutical treatments, and there is a great deal of research that supports lithium when combined with cognitive behavioral, group, and family therapies. The right balance between pharmaceutical and other therapies often helps to keep manic episodes under control and depressive episodes from overtaking normal functioning. Severe episodes of virtually any type may require a brief but necessary hospitalization at the beginning of the treatment process, and finding the right treatment may take an appreciable amount of time even after a clear diagnosis.

Various antipsychotic drugs may work well in terms of stabilizing mood, and antidepressants are often combined with lithium for good results as well. Anticonvulsants may be prescribed if other options prove to be ineffective, and manic episodes resulting from too little sleep may be suppressed with minor tranquilizers. As bipolar problems may result from factors as varied as sleep deprivation, hypothyroidism, and certain medications, finding a safe but effective treatment usually occurs after a comprehensive and thoughtful medical review. Close monitoring, trial and error, and individualized recommendations are a normal part of the process for determining what type and combination of drug therapy and mood stabilizers will be most effective.

Conclusion

It’s best to seek help as soon as possible. Finding the right treatment will control the symptoms and keep them from getting worse. Otherwise, if untreated, bipolar disorder will get worse. In the case of bipolar type 1, this can be devastating for the life of the sufferer and those close to them.

Regardless of type, treatment for bipolar disorder typically focuses on controlling the extreme mood swings that often lead to problematic behaviors. In addition to pharmaceuticals, mood stabilizers for bipolar disorder may include cognitive behavioral intervention, lifestyle changes, family, and group therapy. For individuals suffering from severe symptoms, a brief hospitalization may be needed at the outset of treatment. This illness may also be triggered by a number of biological and environmental factors such as hypothyroidism, sleep deprivation, and some medications, which often makes finding the right treatment a relatively involved process. Although finding the right combination of drugs and therapy may involve regular monitoring and some trial and error, working with a knowledgeable medical professional can lead to a plan that effectively controls mood swings without creating severe side effects.

Treatment is often varied and tailored to you

Bipolar i Disorder Treatment

The disorder classified as bipolar 1 is characterized by severe symptoms of mania and lengthy depressive episodes. This form may be most difficult to eventually control, but a combination of medications along with lithium for bipolar 1 may help balance moods and stop the extraordinary highs and lows that can be so troubling. While antipsychotics, antidepressants, and anticonvulsants may be effective bipolar i disorder treatment options, they must be used carefully. On their own, for example, antidepressants may actually trigger manic episodes but work well when combined with lithium. Anticonvulsants are often prescribed if antipsychotic drugs do not seem to work, and minor tranquilizers may be prescribed to keep a lack of sleep from triggering manic episodes.

Bipolar ii Disorder Treatment

In contrast to the usual highs associated with bipolar 1, bipolar 2 symptoms usually include moving and speaking slowly, excess sleeping, feelings of worthlessness, and losing touch with reality. Despite these differences, the pharmaceutical treatment plan is often the same for both types. Bipolar ii disorder treatment, like bipolar 1, also includes family and group therapies, with cognitive behavioral therapy being emphasized as a way to identify negative thoughts and replace them with positive thoughts and coping strategies. Lithium treatment for bipolar disorder of this type may also be appropriate, along with interpersonal therapy to promote better relationships with important family and friends. Interpersonal therapy is often combined with social rhythm therapy as a way to adjust the imbalances in sleeping, eating, exercising, and other daily lifestyle issues that are often out of sync as a result of bipolar 2.

Bipolar iii Disorder Treatment

Although less commonly known there is a range of behaviors referred to as cyclothymia, or bipolar 3. The associated periods of mania and depression are far less intense with bipolar 3, and the hallucinations, delusions, severe depression, and suicidal thoughts that may incapacitate or endanger people who suffer from types 1 or 2 are absent in this type as well. For these reasons, proper bipolar iii disorder treatment focuses on keeping the subtle fluctuations from disrupting daily life, interpersonal relationships, and routine functioning in general. Lifestyle changes such as improved sleep habits, avoidance of drugs and alcohol, natural herbs such as ginseng, lavender and kava kava, and even deep breathing exercises may result in more stable and relaxed moods.

Conclusion

Finding out about the treatments for bipolar disorder are very beneficial on so many levels. The medical treatments available are broad and cover everything from the older more reliable drugs such as prozac and lithium to modern drugs that are more effective for treating the condition but have more side effects. On top of that psychotherapies and support groups also play their role. The important thing to remember is that many people are with you, and are here to support, help, and give advice. Also remember that studies have shown if you find the right medicine, something you are happy with, then you will make much better headway at controlling the changes in mood and in ultimately controlling the condition.

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• Mood swings
• Mania
• Depression

Regardless of intensity, mood swings may be prevalent, and people with bipolar disorder fluctuate from feelings of mania to feelings of depression. Depression is the dominant mood for some people, whereas others are more often manic with a few episodes of depression from time to time. For individuals that experience frequent shifts in mood, they are said to have a rapid cycling form of the disorder. Milder mood swings are referred to as cyclothymia, and these fluctuations are not as severe as the fluctuations that typically occur in full blown bipolar conditions.

Symptoms of Mania

Manic depression and bipolar disorder are considered to be the identical mood disorder, and the highs of mania may be as equally disturbing as the low points associated with depression. Individuals in manic stages are beyond merely feeling enthusiastic, and may exhibit behaviors that may endanger their physical, emotional, and financial health. Manic symptoms often include a mix of:

• Extreme happiness
• Excessive irritability
• Racing thoughts
• Abnormally high energy levels
• Extreme fearlessness

A List of symptoms is a useful resource

An individual in the midst of a manic episode may be happier or more irritable than seems appropriate, and this may lead to jumping from one idea to another in thought as well as actions. Combined with a high level of energy, a manic individual may attempt dangerous or improbable activities, such as spending inordinate amounts of money, driving recklessly, or engaging in otherwise risky behaviors alone or with others. If left unchecked, the extreme sociability that may be present during a manic phase may lead to genuinely devastating outcomes.

Symptoms of Hypomania

Although not as severe as true mania, this more subtle mood may be worth noting, particularly if it is unfounded and lasts for an extended period of time. Depending upon how it manifests, hypomania may actually seem like a good thing. Symptoms of hypomania include:

• Heightened good feelings
• Changes in productivity
• Lowered inhibitions

For most people, generally feeling positive and being productive are wonderful things. Being outgoing and showing an interest in the surrounding environment may even be goals for an individual. For people truly suffering from bipolar disorder, the concern is that these mild feelings may develop into mania or depression.

Symptoms of Depression

There are many different types of depression, but being clinically depressed goes beyond typical feelings of sadness. Similar to the dangerous behaviors that may result during a manic phase, depression may be equally distressing. Bipolar depressive symptoms often include:

• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Sadness
• Uncontrolled crying
• Decreased energy levels
• Changes in appetite
• Excess sleeping

For someone suffering from bipolar depression, the feelings of anxiousness and irritability often show up in the form of a general inability to make even the simplest decisions. Crying out of proportion to what is actually occurring and excess sleeping may be also be accompanied by marked changes in personal hygiene habits. A depressed individual may gain or lose weight, and overwhelming feelings may include thoughts about dying or suicide.

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder produces such significant changes in mood, emotional and mental disposition that detection of it is possible by a certified professional. To the layman, such diagnosis is not as easy because Bipolar disorder mimics other mental conditions such as clinical depression, intense mania and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Bipolar disorder symptoms may vary in men, women and children and can only be recognized by a detailed observation over a period of time. In more than 50% of cases, Bipolar disorder commences by around age 19-23. The symptoms of Bipolar disorder are usually classified as alternating episodes – manic and depressive. Symptoms of bipolar disorder in men symptoms of bipolar disorder in adults are harder to detect.

Doctors can help identify bipolar disorder, but so can you, or your relatives

Learn to identify Bipolar Mania, hypomania and bipolar depression and you are a good part of the way there. See our article on identifying each of these. There are also different types of bipolar disorder characterised by different strengths, durations and paterns in the cycles of mania and depression.

Those who suffer from it, as well as friends and family can all help identify bipolar. Often those who are close are the best to be able to tell when someone’s not acting like themselves. Doctors can also identify bipolar, though they may refer patients to a specialist for a more in depth evaluation.

Bipolar I Disorder Symptoms

Bipolar I disorder symptoms may see the manic and depressive stage for a period of seven days to two weeks with at least one manic episode in between. This type of Bipolar disorder is characterized by severe manifestations of manic and depressive episodes.

Bipolar II Disorder Symptoms

Bipolar II disorder symptoms do not show a prolonged or intense manic phase but are instead characterized by much milder hypomania and equally mild depression.

Bipolar III Disorder Symptoms

Bipolar II disorder symptoms Bipolar III disorder symptoms are significantly different from Bipolar I or Bipolar II behavior with significant cycling and prolonged depressive episodes, often, with suicide attempts. Bipolar III is often considered a subset of Bipolar II disorder, considering that there are many variants in the duration and severity of the hypomania and depressive episodes. This type of Bipolar disorder is also associated with hypomania caused by the use of anti-depressant medication.

Rapid Cycling Bipolar Disorder Symptoms

Cycling is the alternating between manic and depressive episodes with over 4 or 5 episodes of mania in a year. About a fifth of patients who suffer from Bipolar disorder are said to have rapid cycling. Pregnant women and juvenile patients are considered the higher-risk group with more rapid cycling being seen over a period of a year.

Other considerations when looking at the symptoms of bipolar disorder

The symptoms may be subtly different depending on the individual and whether they are male or female and particularly their age.

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder in Men

Mania: Bipolar disorder in men manifests itself with significant aggression in the manic stage. The patient may be unusually aggressive and take on significant responsibilities and unrealistic goals during a manic episode. Sensory gratification and a high sexual appetite are also noticed in some males. Most men tend to take rash impulsive financial and relationship decisions in this phase. Sleeplessness mimicking insomnia is another symptom of this phase, although fatigue is not observed.
Depression: During the depressive stage, men become unusually withdrawn, exhibiting prolonged periods of sadness and a general feeling of lethargy and helplessness. During particularly severe episodes, feelings of guilt, sadness and hopelessness can lead to suicidal thoughts. At this time, an inability to make decisions and restlessness can be observed.

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder in Women

In general, the symptoms of Bipolar disorder in women are significantly more due to the mood changes that naturally accompany the hormonal changes of the menstrual cycle. For pregnant or new mothers with Bipolar disorder, the post-partum depression is intensified, often to the point of wanting to commit suicide.

Mania: Hysteria and reckless behavior characterize Bipolar disorder in women. Bipolar symptoms include excessive talkativeness, being overly critical of family or co-workers, indefatigable sense of personal ability and grandiose ambition.

Depression: In many women, the depressive phase may be more intense than in men, characterized by unexplained crying spells, silence, irregular sleep and a desire to starve or eat continuously. Unexplained screaming spells and listlessness may also be seen. Women suffering from post-partum depression and Bipolar disorder may have intense thoughts of suicide.

Bipolar Disorder in Children

Bipolar affective disorder symptoms in children are far easier to detect although treatment may be prolonged and difficult. The depressive stage usually lasts much longer than adults, often for months at a time, resulting in the child being labeled ‘lazy’. Academic performance suffers and the child usually does not have any desire to play or engage in any social activities with his or her peers. The manic stage is easily recognized with extreme impatience, insecurity and yelling episodes. In the depressive mode, children may refuse to speak or eat. Symptoms of bipolar disorder in children include psychosomatic headaches and limb pain. School-going children usually feel like ‘failures’ and hated by their peers.

Conclusion

The symptoms of bipolar present some problem, as is the case with all mental health disorders where the symptoms, interactions and behaviours are never simple. The human mind is itself an incredibly complicated system, and no two people are effected in exactly the same way, however it is possible to tell if something is wrong, and by studying up on the symptoms you, or friends and family will be able to identify the condition more effectively.

The “Manic” part of the old name referenced the abundantly energetic, euphoric upswing where sufferer’s of the condition would find themselves impulsive, risk taking, going on binge spending, substance abuse, maxing out credit cards or dipping into savings, and impulsive undertaking of risky sex. Then this can take on a darker edge; such as feeling trapped in a situation, irritable, confused and angry. Some people have likened it to a wrecking ball.

“Hypomania” refers to a less severe form of mania that people with bipolar ii encounter, though sufferer’s still experience periods of recurring depression.

The “Depression” part is one people are more familiar with the lack of energy, sleep problems, inability to find pleasure from anything, crying, lethargy a feeling of being worthless, and of course the depressive part of the condition has the same dangers as normal depression. The sense of despair and hopelessness can lead to attempts at suicide. It’s important for someone to seek help immediately if this is the case.

what kind of disorder is bipolar?

Like gazing into someone's soul, diagnosing bipolar is tricky

Bipolar disorders fall under the category of depressive disorders alongside several other conditions such as depression, and seasonal affective disorder to name but a few. With such conditions the thoughts, mind, and body are all effected by the shift in mood and they can interfere with normal day to day living. This in turn causes pain not only for those with the condition but also their friends and family.

These disorders are more widespread than public awareness of them would indicate. While bipolar disorder itself will effect 1.3% of all adults, those who will suffer from some sort of depressive disorder are much more common. One in every seven people will be effected which adds up to some 17 million people in the US alone. So it’s important not to think on these as being something which isolates, but in fact they are something that many people have to deal with, very common, and there’s no reason to feel stigmatised by being affected by such a disorder.

What are the different types of bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder like any condition is complicated and defied simple explanation, therfore a few categories have sprung up in order to better represent the experiences of those reporting their symptoms. These are bipolar i, bipolar ii, bipolar iii, and rapid cycling bipolar disorder.

What is bipolar disorder 1?

Though the numbering might through you off, bipolar i disorder isn’t actually the commonest form. Bipolar ii is in fact most common, but collectively bipolar 1 and bipolar 2 make up the bulk of the diagnoses. Bipolar i disorder is characterized by intense periods of both mania and the resulting lows when the depression hits. There can still be long periods where the moods are stable. Those diagnosed tend to have had recurring depression and only one or two episodes of the mania, albeit very spectacular ones.

What is bipolar disorder 2?

The recurring depression is of course present, but bipolar ii sufferers have less severe manic episodes, and the elation and upswings are less strong. This does make it harder to identify, especially among those who manage to stay out of trouble and maintain their routine. This less severe mania called hypomania. Hypomania has otherwise all of the symptoms of mania, but it’s less severe and therefore less stressful to experience and causes less damage or disruption to work, social or family life.

What is bipolar disorder 3?

Bipolar 3 is also called Cyclothymia which is long term and features a cycle where mods waver between hypomania to depression. In the case of bipolar iii, hypomania doesn’t include the delusions, halllucinations or the psychotic features that those with bi polar disorder normally encounter, and similarly the depression is also severe but without being incapacitating or driving the sufferer towards suicidal thoughts.

What is Rapid Cycling Bipolar Disorder?

This is where the sufferer feels as if they are on a rollercoaster ride as they zig zag back and forth between the highs and lows of the condition. Only 5 to 14 percent of all those who have bipolar will suffer from rapid cycling, making it a less common occurance. The cycles mean there’s potential for above four mood episodes in a year.

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