Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that affects mood, energy, and the ability to function. People with bipolar disorder experience extreme mood swings that include emotional highs, called mania or hypomania, and lows, known as depression.
There are two main types of this condition: bipolar I and bipolar II. While they share some similarities, they also have important differences. Understanding these differences can help people recognize the signs and seek the right kind of support.
Bipolar I disorder is defined by the presence of at least one full manic episode. Mania is a state of extremely elevated mood and energy that lasts at least one week, or less if the person needs to be hospitalized.
During a manic episode, a person may feel overly happy, confident, or powerful, talk very fast, sleep very little, and make risky decisions, such as spending large amounts of money or engaging in unsafe behavior. Mania can become so severe that it leads to psychosis, which means losing touch with reality.
Some people may hear or see things that aren’t there or believe things that are not true. A person with bipolar I may also experience depressive episodes, but they are not required for diagnosis — the key is the presence of at least one manic episode.
Bipolar II disorder is different in that it involves at least one episode of hypomania and at least one major depressive episode. Hypomania is a milder form of mania. It still involves increased energy, less need for sleep, and a boosted mood, but it doesn’t reach the level of full mania.
Hypomania usually lasts at least four days and does not cause major problems in daily life or require hospitalization. However, the depression in bipolar II can be very severe and is often longer-lasting than in bipolar I.
People with bipolar II may spend more time in the depressive phase, which can include deep sadness, loss of interest in things they once enjoyed, feelings of worthlessness, and even suicidal thoughts.
One reason bipolar II can be harder to diagnose is that hypomania can look like high productivity or a cheerful mood, and may not be seen as a problem. As a result, people are often diagnosed only when they seek help for their depression, and the hypomanic episodes may be missed unless a doctor asks the right questions.
Research shows that both types of bipolar disorder are serious and require proper treatment. A study published in the journal Bipolar Disorders found that although people with bipolar I tend to experience more hospitalizations and psychotic symptoms, those with bipolar II often have a higher risk of long-term depression and may be at greater risk of suicide.
Both types can disrupt daily life, relationships, and work, and both benefit from a combination of medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes.
Doctors usually treat bipolar I and II with mood stabilizers, antipsychotic medications, and antidepressants, depending on the symptoms. Therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can help people manage mood swings and build coping skills. Education, support groups, and a stable routine are also important parts of treatment.
In simple terms, bipolar I is known for its more intense manic episodes, while bipolar II is known for its long and deep depressions along with less intense highs. Neither type is “milder” — they are just different in how they show up.
If you or someone you know struggles with extreme mood changes, it’s important to talk to a mental health professional. Getting the right diagnosis is the first step toward feeling better and gaining control of life again.
If you care about health, please read studies that scientists find a core feature of depression and this metal in the brain strongly linked to depression.
For more information about health, please see recent studies about drug for mental health that may harm the brain, and results showing this therapy more effective than ketamine in treating severe depression.
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