According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, bipolar disorder is broken into four basic types (from most to least severe): type I, type II, not otherwise specified, and cyclothymia. The types are rated in terms of their effect on a person's daily life.

Definition

Bipolar II disorder is characterized by a pattern of depressive episodes paired with periods of hypomania that generally last four days. This disorder type has no manic or mixed episodes and no psychotic symptoms as these all would indicate bipolar disorder type I. In between episodes of depression and hypomania the person will function normally.

Depression

Bipolar II disorder has a higher risk of suicide than type I due to the higher frequency of major depressive periods and a shorter time of normalcy in between episodes. This disorder type is more chronic than type I.

Hypomania

Hypomania carries the same symptoms as mania but is less intense and less likely to interfere with a person's ability to function. During a hypomanic episode, a person will seem full of life, talkative, will indulge in risky or promiscuous behavior, increase their consumption of alcohol and/or drugs, have a decreased need for sleep, will be excitable and make lots of plans, but can also be increasingly irritable or angry. Those with hypomania will not lose touch with reality, have hallucinations or psychotic symptoms as those suffering from mania can.

Dangers

Treatment is critical for bipolar disorder type II as there is a high associated risk for suicide. Treatment is also important to prevent hypomanic symptoms from causing destruction in the person's normal life. Hypomania can seem pleasant on the surface but these periods can cause emotional distress from the lash back of engaging in activities that the person wouldn't normally.

Treatment

All forms of bipolar disorder are treatable and manageable with professional help. Though there is no cure. Medication and therapy can keep symptoms down to a manageable level and allow the patient to maintain control of her life. A person suffering from any type of the disorder can develop another type, so regardless of how mild the symptoms may appear, seeking treatment right away is critical.

Source:

National Institute of Mental Health

University of Maryland Medical Center

WebMD

More Information:

National Institute of Mental Health