- What’s #bipolardisorder?

- Mania

- Hypomania

- Depressive episodes

- Similarities between I and II

- Differences between I and II

- Treatment

- Can your diagnosis change?

- Let’s recap

While there are similarities between #bipolar I and #bipolar II disorders, a few key elements set them apart.

Lately, you seem to have more energy than usual. Your loved ones have noticed that you’re speaking differently, and they’ve pointed out a change in your sleep schedule. Given this, you’re wondering if you may have #bipolardisorder. And if that’s the case, which type is it?

Only a #mentalhealthprofessional can provide an accurate diagnosis. In any case, the outlook is hopeful. With supportive treatment, your symptoms of #bipolar I or #bipolar II can be managed. But a specific diagnosis can make all the difference in your treatment plan.

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What’s #bipolardisorder?

#Bipolardisorder is a #mentalhealthcondition that impacts about 2%Trusted Source of the global population. It causes changes in your mood, called “mood episodes.”

#Bipolardisorder exists on a spectrum, and not everyone experiences it the same way.

There are four types of #bipolardisorder:

- #bipolarIdisorder

- #bipolarIIdisorder

- #cyclothymicdisorder

- #bipolardisorder unspecified

If you live with this condition, you may cycle between moods over a period of days, weeks, or months, according to the #AmericanPsychiatricAssociation (#APA).

Symptoms of #bipolardisorder vary. They may present as mania (or hypomania), depressive episodes, or a combination of both. You may also have periods where you don’t experience extreme highs or lows.

What’s mania?

Mania, or a manic episode, is the main diagnostic criteria for #bipolarIdisorder.

You may have a manic episode for a week or more, during which you’ll feel unusually high in energy or self-confidence, according to the #NationalInstituteofMentalHealth (#NIMH)Trusted Source.

During a manic episode, you may talk quickly and jump from topic to topic. You may have difficulty controlling impulses, leading to behaviors like spending more money than usual or driving at high speed.

Sometimes, people with manic episodes also experience symptoms of #psychosis. These symptoms often require urgent medical care and can include:

- hallucinations

- delusions

- disorganized thinking and speech

#Psychosis can also occur during depressive episodes, but it’s more common during mania.

What’s hypomania?

Hypomania is one of the diagnostic criteria of #bipolarIIdisorder.

A hypomanic episode is similar to a manic episode but considered milder. While many of the symptoms overlap, they differ in the level of intensity.

During a hypomanic episode, you may feel a sense of euphoria or a general “good mood.” It could arrive as a sudden onset of new ideas or creativity. Perhaps you sleep less or have a hard time turning off your brain from racing thoughts.

You may feel more social than usual or have an increased desire for sex. You may also find that you have more energy to do things that you normally feel too tired to do.

This sudden boost in energy levels is not as extreme as during episodes of mania.

What’s a #depressiveepisode?

A #depressiveepisode may occur in all types of #bipolardisorder. Though, contrary to popular belief, it is not required for a diagnosis of #bipolarIdisorder.

Some signs of a #depressiveepisode include:

- an overwhelming sense of sadness or despair

- appetite or weight changes

- extreme fatigue or exhaustion

- inability to enjoy your favorite activities

- #insomnia or trouble falling asleep

- irritability or angry outbursts

- sensory sensitivities (noise, touch, etc.)

- thoughts of #self-harm or #suicide

If you or someone you know is considering #suicide, you’re not alone.

Help is available right now:

- Call the #NationalSuicidePreventionLifeline 24 hours a day at 800-273-8255.

- Text “HOME” to the Crisis Text Line at 741741.

- Not in the #UnitedStates? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.

Similarities between #bipolar I and #bipolar II

While they’re considered separate diagnoses, there are many overlaps between #bipolar I and #bipolarIIdisorders.

Onset

For the majority of people, symptoms of #bipolardisorder first emerge between the ages of 15 and 24, regardless of the subtype.

In the #UnitedStates, research shows that 66% of those with a #bipolardisorder diagnosis received it before the age of 19. In Europe, it’s about 33%.

Causes

Researchers still don’t know exactly what causes #bipolardisorder, but geneticsTrusted Source, neurotransmittersTrusted Source, and hormonesTrusted Source are thought to play a role.

In both #bipolar I and #bipolar II, symptoms may be exacerbated by substance use, history of #childhood trauma, death of a loved one, or persistent significant #stress.

Symptoms

In order to receive a diagnosis of any type of #bipolardisorder, you must experience intense changes in mood that differ from your usual state.

You must also experience at least one episode of mania or hypomania.

General symptoms of these episodes may include:

- elevated energy level

- feeling restless

- needing less sleep

- increased self-confidence

- being more talkative than normal

- having a rush of new plans and ideas

- working on multiple projects at once

- being easily distracted

- having decreased inhibitions

- increased libido

Differences between #bipolar I and #bipolar II

Prevalence

Research suggests that #bipolarIdisorder is the more prevalent of the two.

In one study across 11 countries, researchers found that 0.6%Trusted Source of people live with #bipolarIdisorder, while 0.4%Trusted Source live with #bipolarIIdisorder.

#Depression

There is new researchTrusted Source to suggest that those who live with #bipolarIIdisorder may have a higher genetic chance of major #depressivedisorder (MDD) than those with #bipolarIdisorder.

In #bipolarIIdisorder, #depression may occur more frequently. It may even be your dominant experience.

Symptoms

There are some crucial differences in how the two types are diagnosed.

#BipolarIdisorder#BipolarIIdisorderSymptoms are more intense and frequent.Symptoms may present as less intense.You have at least one manic episode with symptoms of #psychosis that may or may not require hospital care.You have at least one hypomanic episode, typically without #psychosis or hospital care.Mania occurs for at least 7 days or more.Hypomania occurs for at least 4 days or more.No #depressiveepisode is required to receive a diagnosis.You have at least one #depressiveepisode lasting 2 weeks or more.Symptoms may lead to hospitalization, but not always.Symptoms are less likely to lead to hospitalization.

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Are #bipolar I and #bipolar II treated the same way?

Everyone’s experience with #bipolardisorder is unique.

Treatment of #bipolardisorder may include a combination of:

- psychotherapy

- medication

- lifestyle changes

- self-care strategies

You may have additional specifiers in your #bipolardisorder diagnosis, like rapid cycling or features of #psychosis, that can modulate the type of treatment that’s best for you.

Seeking the help of a #mentalhealthprofessional is highly advisable. They will work with you to create a treatment plan that fits your individual needs and experiences.

Medication

In general, treatment for #bipolarIdisorder may include mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and sleep aids.

Treatment for #bipolarIIdisorder may include mood stabilizers and antidepressants, as depressive episodes may show up more often.

Psychotherapy

Some form of therapy is recommended for all types of #bipolardisorder.

There are five modalities that may be effective for this condition, according to the #NationalAllianceonMentalIllness (#NAMI).

These include:

- #cognitivebehavioraltherapy (#CBT)

- family-focused therapy (FFP)

- interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT)

- #dialecticalbehavioraltherapy (#DBT)

- group psychoeducation (aka, group therapy)

Inpatient treatment

Those who live with #bipolarIdisorder may benefit from hospitalization or inpatient treatment, particularly during manic episodes with symptoms of #psychosis. However, this is not the rule, and only a health team can recommend what’s best for you at the time you’re presenting symptoms.

Can you move from one diagnosis to the other? 

If you’ve been living with #bipolardisorder for a while, you may have seen your symptoms shift over time. This is natural as you age and try out different treatments.

With that said, researchers don’t yet know if you can experience one type of #bipolardisorder first and then another. Some expertsTrusted Source assert that it’s possible, though more studies are needed.

In one older study, 42%Trusted Source of those diagnosed with cyclothymia transitioned to #bipolar II or #bipolarIdisorder. Of those with a diagnosis of #bipolarIIdisorder, 17%Trusted Source changed to a diagnosis of #bipolarIdisorder.

Let’s recap

Living with #bipolardisorder, no matter which type it is, can be a challenge.

If your mood episodes occur frequently, feel intense, and sometimes require hospital care, it may be #bipolarIdisorder.

If your mania symptoms feel more mild, and you experience #depressiveepisodes more often, it may be #bipolarIIdisorder.

Only a #mentalhealthprofessional can provide the right diagnosis. In any case, symptoms of #bipolardisorder can be managed and recovery is possible.
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