Difference Between Bipolar I and II
What are the Differences Between Bipolar I and Bipolar II Disorders?
Answer: The most important distinctions between Bipolar I and II are:
1. A person with BP II experiences hypomanic episodes but not manic episodes. The difference between mania and hypomania is a matter of severity - hypomania generally does not impair a person's daily functioning or cause the need for hospitalization.
2. Experience of psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations or paranoia indicates Bipolar I Disorder; the presence of such symptoms rules out Bipolar II.
Another difference noted in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, which is the standard used in the United States, is that in Bipolar II disorder there are no mixed episodes. Our experience tells us that mixed episodes are extremely common in Bipolar II. This is undoubtedly a point for consideration in future editions of this manual.
Bipolar disorder is also called manic-depression. People with bipolar disorder experience mood swings from "high" episodes of mania to "low" periods of depression. When between these "highs" and "lows", people with BP often have the normal range of moods. In most cases, people with bipolar disorder experience more periods of depression than periods of mania. Bipolar disorder can be either severe or mild, and can have either frequent or infrequent mood swings. Depending upon their symptoms, bipolars are diagnosed as having bipolar I, bipolar II, or cyclothymic disorder.
Bipolar I and Mania
Most people with bipolar I have episodes of both depression and mania. In very rare cases, they experience only mania. Bipolar I is distinguished from bipolar II by the severity and duration of the manic phase, which can last anywhere from a week to several months, and the experience of delusions. Risky behavior is common in manic episodes and patients often require hospitalization for their own safety.
The symptoms of mania can include rapid speech, insomnia, disconnected thoughts, grandiose ideas, hallucinations, extreme irritability, feelings of omnipotence, paranoia, violent behavior, a marked increase in strength, and openly promiscuous activity. (see Bipolar Screening)
Bipolar II and Hypomania
People with bipolar II suffer primarily from episodes of severe depression with occasional episode of "mild" mania, called hypomania. Hypomania differs from mania in that no delusions are experienced.
Like mania, hypomania can cause severely impaired functioning. The hypomanic episode often feels so good that bipolar patients often discontinue their medication in quest of a hypomanic episode. This is especially problematic because symptoms that come back after stopping drug treatment are often much harder to get back under control a second time.
While Bipolar II has sometimes been described as a "milder" form of bipolar disorder than Bipolar I, the suicide rate among people suffering form Bipolar II is actually higher than that for those suffering from Bipolar I.
Cyclothymic Disorder
People with cyclothymic disorder alternate between hypomania and mild depression. It is not as severe as bipolar I and II, but persists for longer periods with no break in symptoms. Cyclothymic disorder can later become full-blown bipolar disorder in some people, or can continue as a low-grade chronic condition.
Rapid Cycling
Most people with bipolar disorder have an average of 8 to 10 manic or depressive episodes over a lifetime. Some, however, experience much more severe symptoms called rapid cycling. They can swing (cycle) between "highs" and "lows" many times in one day. To be considered a rapid cycler, you must have at leat 4 mood swings in a year.
Mixed Episode
During a Mixed Episode, symptoms of both mania and depression occur at the same time. The excitability and agitation of mania is coupled with depression and irritability. This combination of high energy and agitation along with depression makes the mixed episode the most dangerous for risk of suicide.
Research Notes on Bipolar I vs. Bipolar II
There are several notable differences between bipolar I and bipolar II disorders.1 A primary distinction is the absence of manic episodes with bipolar II.1 Only a lesser form of mania, known as hypomania, is present in bipolar II.1 While psychotic symptoms are sometimes noted with bipolar I disorder, their presence rules out bipolar II disorder.1
Fast Facts:
* Mixed states (manic and depressive symptoms occurring simultaneously) is a feature of bipolar I disorder only.2
* Bipolar I is more fully understood than bipolar II.3
* While symptoms can differ between the two disorders, their impact on the individual can be equally severe.3
Top Resources on Bipolar I vs. Bipolar II
* About.com: What are the Differences Between Bipolar I and Bipolar II Disorders?
* HealthyPlace: What are the Differences Between Bipolar 1 and Bipolar 2 Disorders?
* Medscape Today: How Alike, How Different Are Bipolar I and II?
* Legal Profession Assistance Conference: Types of Bipolar Disorders
== Related WisdomCards==*Bipolar Disorder
* Bipolar Disorder and Pregnancy
* Bipolar Disorder and Decision Making
* Bipolar vs. Depression
* Bipolar Medications
* Bipolar Disorder and Relationships
* Bipolar Disorder and Exercise
Research Notes References
1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 About.com: What are the Differences Between Bipolar I and Bipolar II Disorders?
2. ↑ HealthyPlace: What are the Differences Between Bipolar 1 and Bipolar 2 Disorders?
3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Medscape Today: How Alike, How Different Are Bipolar I and II?
