What is Bipolar II Disorder?

According to the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI), bipolar II disorder is a subset of bipolar disorder where the patient will present with depressive episodes alternating with hypomanic episodes. However, these hypomanic episodes never generally transform into a “full-blown” manic episode.¹

Who Is at Risk for Bipolar II Disorder?

Your chances of developing bipolar II disorder are higher if a parent or sibling has also had the disorder. In addition, some other risk factors include if you experienced emotional abuse as a child, used a lot of cannabis, along with other environmental factors.²

What Are the Symptoms of Bipolar II Disorder?

The symptoms of bipolar II disorder are similar to those of other mental illnesses, including anxiety. They may co-occur with anxiety and eating disorders. The following are some of the most common bipolar II symptoms to look out for:³

Decreased need for sleep
Excessive spending
Going from one idea to another quickly and often
Hypersexuality
Increased energy and hyperactivity
Inflated self-image
Smoking or drinking more than usual
Engaging in risky behavior
Making and pursuing grandiose, unrealistic plans
Rapid, uninterruptible, and loud speech
Substance abuse

How is Bipolar II Diagnosed?

A proper bipolar II diagnosis necessitates a thorough physical and psychological examination. If your symptoms fit the description of bipolar II disorder, your psychiatrist may use the bipolar II diagnostic criteria or bipolar II disorder test from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association, to diagnose you or a loved one. These criteria include:⁴

One episode of major depression lasting at least two weeks and one episode of hypomania lasting around four days.
No full-blown manic episode, as bipolar II manic episode symptoms are milder compared to other manic disorders.
Sorrow or impairment in social, job-related, or other critical areas of operation that may be clinically significant. Depressive symptoms may cause impairments.

Physical Examination

To ascertain whether your symptoms might be related to an underlying physical health issue besides the signs of bipolar II, your doctor will conduct a thorough physical examination and enquire about your health history as well. This can help rule out co-occurring disorders or other symptoms.

Psychiatric Evaluation

Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms, thoughts, feelings, and behavior patterns as well. The specialist may also ask about your family history, since bipolar II disorder has some genetic components that can cause the condition in some people. Your specialist may also test your reasoning, memory, and ability to express yourself while checking for signs of bipolar II disorder.

Risk Factors of Bipolar II Disorder

Having a first-degree relative who also has the same disorder, such as a parent or sibling with bipolar II disorder, may increase the risk of developing the condition or serve as a cause for the first episode in individuals. In addition, stress, substance use disorders, and alcohol use disorders are other bipolar type II risk factors.

Family History

According to some research, bipolar disorder may likely develop in people with specific genes. According to studies, individuals who have a parent or sibling who has bipolar disorder are more likely to develop the condition themselves.

Excessive Alcohol or Drug Use

If you have type II bipolar disorder, you are likely to experience mood swings and engage in risky behavior frequently. In addition, substances and alcohol affect you differently due to your condition, unlike those without bipolar II disorder. Your condition also makes you highly susceptible to drug and alcohol misuse.

Lack of Sleep

Sleep issues are common in people with bipolar disorder, and poor sleep quality and bipolar disorder exacerbate each other. Previous research indicates that poor sleep quality is a symptom of depressive and manic episodes and that sleep deprivation can also precipitate mania.

Stress

A stressful event, such as divorce, a traumatic accident, a family member’s death, or financial difficulties, can set off a manic or depressive episode. As a result, how you tackle stressful issues may also play a role in the progression of the illness.

How is Bipolar II Disorder Treated?

An effective bipolar II treatment plan characteristically combines bipolar II medication and therapies. Hypomania and depression episodes typically recur over time, and you may be free of mood changes between episodes, but some symptoms may linger. Long-term, consistent treatment can assist you in managing these symptoms, even if you have severe bipolar symptoms.⁵

Medication

A combination of different types of medications can be used to manage bipolar II symptoms. Treatment often includes the following medications:

Antidepressants

Besides treating depression, antidepressants may be prescribed to treat other health conditions such as anxiety, pain, and insomnia. Antidepressants that are common for bipolar II disorder include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs) (NDRIs).

Antipsychotics

You may take antipsychotic medications to treat bipolar II disorder with psychotic features. Suppose you have delusions or hallucinations, or experience drug use or a mental disorder such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or severe depression can cause psychosis.

You may also get a prescription for antipsychotics alongside other medications to alleviate symptoms associated with delirium, dementia, or other mental health conditions.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines are frequently prescribed to treat disorders such as insomnia, anxiety, panic, metabolic and mood disorders (including bipolar II disorders), muscle tension, hypertension, and others. They work by affecting the GABA neurotransmitters in your brain, which help to regulate stress levels. Once the stress levels are normal, you can more easily calm down during a hypomanic episode.⁶

Mood Stabilizers

Mood stabilizers, such as lithium, are used to help manage mood swings and control hypomanic episodes.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, is another intervention used in managing bipolar II disorder. The most common and helpful therapies used to help with bipolar II disorder include:

Interpersonal Social Rhythm Therapy

Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT) aims to improve your mood by learning and working with your biological and social rhythms. IPSRT is an effective therapy for you or a loved one suffering from mood disorders. It also helps by emphasizing techniques to improve medication adherence, manage stressful life events, and reduce disruptions in social rhythms.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

In this therapy, you will learn how to identify and correct problematic behavior by using a range of skills that you can use to stop substance abuse and related problems. Mental health illnesses such as bipolar II disorder may be treated using CBT since it teaches you coping skills that enhance self-control.

Family-Focused Therapy

When you have a mental health problem, the people who suffer the most besides you include your family members or close friends. Therefore, attending family-focused therapy to help you and your family understand your condition is essential.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is used broadly in treating many mental health problems, including bipolar II disorder, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance dependence, eating disorders, and many others.

Group Therapy

Group therapy helps you learn from the group therapist and other group members. You may understand coping mechanisms through other members’ narrations of how they coped in a similar situation. You may also learn skills to help you integrate better into your community.

Tips for Coping With Bipolar II Disorder

Even though therapy and medication are essential in helping with bipolar II symptoms, there are other ways you can cope with the disorder as well. Some of the tips that may help in improving your conditions and well-being include:

Actively participating in your treatment plan
Monitoring your moods, symptoms, and risks factors
Keeping track of your feelings
Noticing changes in your desires and habits over time
Anticipating your risks
Utilizing therapy options as they are presented to you
Making a plan of action for when symptoms might change
Creating an action plan for wellness recovery (WRAP)
Staying connected to people who support you
Taking good care of your physical health by resting, exercising, and eating well

Get Help For Bipolar II Disorder at Pacific Beach Health

Bipolar II disorder can cause many problems, especially if it has not been diagnosed properly or has not been well managed. Consider seeking help for your condition at Pacific Beach Health and begin your journey towards recovery today.

What is Bipolar II Disorder? Symptoms and Treatment

The symptoms of bipolar II disorder are similar to those of many other mental health conditions, so it is crucial to receive a proper diagnosis.