Bipolar 2 disorder is a type of bipolar disorder where a person has episodes of hypomania and episodes of depression, but has never had full mania.
Hypomania
Hypomania is a milder form of mania that lasts at least 4 days. You might:
- feel unusually happy, confident or irritable
- have more energy and need less sleep
- have lots of ideas and talk more
- be more sociable or take more risks
Hypomania can feel good, and other people may notice it more than you do. It does not include psychosis and does not usually need hospital treatment.
Depression
Depression in bipolar 2 is often long and severe. It can include low mood, loss of interest, tiredness, poor concentration, and thoughts of death or suicide. For many people, depression is the main problem.
Getting diagnosed
Many people are first diagnosed with depression. If you have ever had times of unusually high mood, energy or reduced need for sleep, tell your GP. They can refer you to a psychiatrist. The right diagnosis matters, because antidepressants on their own can sometimes trigger hypomania or mood swings.
See bipolar 2 treatment.
Common questions
Is bipolar 2 a milder form of bipolar?
No. The highs are less extreme than in bipolar 1, but episodes of depression are often longer and more frequent, and can be very disabling.
Why was I diagnosed with depression first?
Hypomania can feel good or productive, so people often do not mention it. Many people with bipolar 2 are first diagnosed with depression. If you have had times of unusually high mood or energy, tell your doctor.
Sources we used
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