Bipolar 2: What Is It and How Can It Be Treated?
Bipolar 2 is a psychiatric disorder just as the more well-known bipolar 1 is, but it differs significantly from bipolar 1. Bipolar 2 has as one of its characteristics the disorder of hypomania, which can be less overt in its symptoms than full-blown mania. Symptoms of hypomania include the following:
The person may feel energetic, talkative, have increased (maybe even "inflated") self-esteem, have "racing" or very rapid thought processes, and perhaps make inappropriate or impulsive choices that they later come to regret.It should also be noted that hypomania can actually lead to full-blown mania, the type seen in bipolar 1.
Along with the hypomania, those with the disorder often are also irritable, and have anxiety besides. Oftentimes, they are misdiagnosed as having depression with anxiety disorder, or simply anxiety disorder. The problem with this diagnosis is that if they are only given an antidepressant and not treatment for their hypomania, they can actually be pushed into a manic phase. If that happens, their moods can swing in and out of depression and mania.
What's the difference between hypomania and mania?
As you can probably tell by the names, "hypomania" means, literally, "low mania," and in fact, it is simply a less severe form of mania. However, left untreated or treated improperly, it can actually progress into full-blown mania.
With hypomania, as it occurs in bipolar 2 disorders, the person may actually feel very productive and happy; indeed, even to people witnessing someone experiencing hypomania, they may think that this is in fact a "good" thing. This is one of the things that make hypomania difficult to diagnose. Of course, being productive and happy is a good thing in and of it, but as part of the disorder, hypomania puts the patient at risk making rash decisions if their hypo manic behavior includes this type of occurrence. In addition, if they are taking antidepressants, they can be pushed into a full manic episode.
Unfortunately, if someone has bipolar 2, antidepressants alone can't help them (and of course can make the situation worse as described above).Bipolar 2 also includes a propensity to cycle rapidly between depressed and hypo manic states. And if the rapid cycling is misdiagnosed, the patient may be prescribed sedatives in addition to antidepressants, which will push moods even further out of balance.
Treating bipolar 2 disorder properly
With bipolar 2, it is imperative to treat both the depression (which can be very severe) and the hypomania at the same time, so as to avoid prescribing only antidepressants for the depression, which can make the hypomania, escalate into full mania.
In actuality, treatment of bipolar 2 disorder actually uses a lot of the same medications as bipolar 1 disorder does. Common medications include mood stabilizers like lithium and anticonvulsants like Tegretol.Low-dose antidepressant medication can also help. Because people with bipolar 2 do not generally have psychotic symptoms or behavior, they usually don't need antipsychotic medications.
It may take some time to find a proper medication regimen, since every patient is different. Therefore, it may take some time to stabilize and find the right dosages for patients even once properly diagnosed. If patients have demonstrated suicidal tendencies during depressive phases especially, they may need to be hospitalized temporarily to keep them safe while medications are properly adjusted.
Using medication with cognitive behavioral therapy
Most bipolar 2 patients respond favorably to a combination of medication and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Contraindications
Women who are thinking about becoming pregnant or are pregnant may not be able to be on some of the anticonvulsant medications usually prescribed for bipolar 2.Therefore, if you have been diagnosed with bipolar 2 and you are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant, you should talk both with your psychiatrist and OB/GYN or obstetrician about proper medications and their use.
Leading a normal life with bipolar 2 disorder
If you or someone you love has bipolar 2 disorders, don't despair. In fact, this is one of the most treatable conditions you can have. Rest assured that as long as you receive proper treatment, you can recover fully from bipolar II disorder and live a completely normal life.
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Comments on Bipolar 2: What Is It and How Can It Be Treated?
I was not impressed with your article. You spoke about hypomania, which was correct, but for someone with bipolar II that is just a small part of who they are. Depression/Suicice are the biggest part of someone with bipolar II. Leading a good and productive life is extremely challenging.
About 10 years ago I woke up with anxiety and could not sleep. That went on for about 6 months when I started using Alcohol at bedtime. It did help with sleep at first but developed into another problem. Don't use Alcohol.
After 5 years of using alcohol at bedtime, I finally went to see a doctor that prescribed a sleeping aid. Another three years passed using sleeping pills sometimes and then back to alcohol. Back to the doctor and this time he prescribed Zanax for anxiety, and a different sleeping pill.
A year ago another doctor prescribed Lexapro. It really helped with sleep and especially with anxiety. I started having side effects from the Lexapro including thoughts of
suicide. I finally ended up in the hospital when I tried to kill myself. After two weeks in the wacky ward, the Psychiatrist diagnosed me as having Bipolar 2. He prescribed Lexapro in a smaller dose and Ability closely monitored for the 1st month. I took the drugs for 8 months and have been healed. I no longer have depression and anxiety. I sleep much better too.
I was surprised by that last bit in the article, that it is one of the most treatable conditions, fully recoverable and you can lead a perfectly healthy life? If that is true, I don't know how I ended up where I am now. I was diagnosed 7 years ago and it has been a slippery slope downhill since. I am worse now than I ever was although I do maintain my house, 3 young children and appear "normal". I need to know how to recover, or even feel normal again. I think I will check out that literature. I would do anything to feel better again.
You say you took the meds for 8 mos and have been healed…did you stop the meds after 8 mos and you no longer had symptoms?
WOW! I have recently sought out treatment for what I believe to be bipolar 2 disorder. I am so sorry for the two other respondents to this article. Suicidal thoughts are very difficult thing to overcome. I am very happy for the first person. Second person, i hope it gets better for you. I have to believe there is hope. My husband wants a divorce because of my behavior. I am currently in therapy and taking vitamin supplements to help with the depression and cycling until I can see the doctor to hopefully try a mood stabilizer. I have no idea what my future holds but I'm going to believe I can conquer this. Good luck to the both of you.
I was diagnosed with Bipolar Type 2 about 3 months ago. I was prescribed Lithium and although many people take it and lead very successful and fulfilled lives, I didn't find the side affects equalled up to its benefits, so I decided to stop taking it. My doctor and social worker, see me every fortnight and I write in a journal every day to outline how I feet, what could of or did help me in a certain situation and if there was anything in particular that triggered off my mood etc. I can almost diarise my moods now and I am yet to have a conquering plan of management but I am getting there. It is a difficult illness to live with. I too, have a business, a part time job, 3 small children, demanding partner and all the everday stresses of life that we all face….problem is having this 'secret illness' that I am trying to deal with and manage and I feel sometimes that my options and future is quite limited by Bipolar 2. It is a learning process and I hope one day we all get there. It will take time and patience. Good luck to everyone.
So often the irritability of Bipolar II is ignored. The aggression forgotten. Saying that it is a less extreme version is harsh to a sufferer. Psycosis may be absent, but the rest is there with an often even deeper depression. It is still a much misunderstood condtition – people are still afraid of it, just as they were 30+ years ago. There is no one solution and often finding the right one can take years. Its a lifelong journey and often leading a 'normal' life is not possible.
I guess we all have different experiences and I can only tell you about mine.
I got diagnosed five years ago and took time out from work to get the medications right, it took time!
I am back at work and I dont know if the writer is affected or not, I asume not but may be wrong.
I hold a proffesional position in our town and every day has to be organised, mood checked etc etc.
I would be dead without the medication and am very grate ful to my specialist. I can lead a normal life, on the outside and its hard work on the inside.So if I am not fully recovered as the writer suggests or rather claims, does that mean I have failed?
I am however gratefull that I know what makes me tick and have stratergies to lifes stress. I believe the writer needs to get their fact sorted.
I have taken a combination of Prestiq and Topamax. The first for depression. The second to slow down my brain so the rapid cycling thoughts don't prevent me from sleeping. I haven't tried any other medications but these seem to have helped sufficiently. Hope to start weaning myself of the medication (doctor supervised) this summer.
I am pretty sure I am suffering with bipolar, have been to doctors twice and they say its anxiety,I have mood swings that are out of control and it makes it very difficult to lead a normal life.I feel depressed,useless,unliked my everyone.I cause arguments with my partner over nothing,i feel like my life is awful.Then somedays I feel happy,confident,happy with my life and spend money on clothes etc, obcessive with cleaning my house and if someone messes it up it makes me feel adjitated.
Im fed up of feeling the way i do and just want to be content and happy but can't.
I have had bipolar 2, I believe, since I was around 10, I'll be turning 33 this July. So I have had it a long time. I was diagnosed with Bipolar 2 7 years ago. I was kind of annoyed with the comment that this is a disease that is one of the more treatable. That might be the case for some, but 7 years in and I'm still rapid cycling, driving family and friends nuts at times, and giving myself issues by my irritability. I would love to think that this is a very treatable condition for most, but for me if the drug doesn't cause some weird rare side effect, it doesn't work on the psychiatric issues. So I am stuck. I'm currently trying something new, but it too is causing side effects. Hand tremors when you are an artist is NOT a doable side effect.
Anyways, good luck to all of you. I hope that treatments work for you.
Ciao!
@Dan Carrington: Thankyou. I was first diagnosed with 'depression' at the age of 15 after my first suicide attempt. I was not put on medication at that stage because of the 'stigma' attached. I went on with my life which included alcohol and drugs until I was in my early twenties. I had a family (clean slate apart from cigarettes). After a broken marriage and all the baggage I later remarried and my new husband took me to the doctors and I was put on anti-depressants, but it had still been a long hard battle with my mood swings and sometimes being 'normal'.
I, now at 50 (after many doctors) have been given mood adjusting tablets.
It is only the early stages at the moment, but am hoping for a better
result. People just don't understand that the medication for some is not
a total answer. Day to day is as you say extremely challenging. I will never
be 'normal' and get sick of 'normal' people thinking I could ever be the same as them. I struggle 28 out of 30 days to be normal. I am a smart well adjusted person on those two days and would give my right arm to not struggle within my head those other 28 days just to get through the minute by minute dayly existence starting from not even wanting or seeing the reason to get out of bed.
After reading the comments and what people have gone through, first I want to say: you all deserve only the best. I am glad we have community in small corners of the world/internet to share and learn from one another, like here. We all deserve to be well. It may take a gradual journey to get back into the sunshine, but don't ever give up- no matter how many clouds you might see floating by, the sun is still there waiting for you, shining above those clouds, and it will always be there for you!
Second, I came here to read about Bipolar 2 because I suspect I may have it also. I am 33 and I have dealt with PTSD, anxiety and major depression for most of my life, as a result of a difficult childhood (which, on the upside, has given me a lot more empathy). So, if I have further undiagnosed disorders it hasn't been clear to me which disorder(s) may be causing problems I have had to deal with, and I have pinned most of it on PTSD. I am more than a little wary of therapists since I have had so many horrible ones in the past, so I haven't seen anyone for years. I was prescribed Zoloft in high school during a deep depression and it made me feel suicidal, so I stopped taking it after only a couple of weeks. I haven't been interested in taking any medications like that, since, even though another doctor tried pushing the same one on me in college. I've never been on any meds aside from occasional use of tranquilizers for anxiety, but I don't like the feeling of pills like Klonipin and it doesn't stop my racing thoughts.
I started dating someone who has Bipolar 2 recently, and he has been the most amazing, patient and understanding person I have ever met. He has been stabilized for a while now, goes to therapy (Cognitive-Behavioral, I believe) and is being treated with Lamictal (very low dose), and it works well for him. He has pointed out to me that my moods cycle, that I get unusually energetic and then my mood crashes hard right afterward, that my sleeping patterns and appetite change drastically, that I get really irritable. These were all symptoms he had, so he can more easily recognize it in me.
I am starting to think he is right. Especially after this week, where I was up until very late hours of the night cleaning everything in the house and trying to get as much done on my to-do list as possible (and if anything got messy I got really upset and had to clean it right away, even though usually I am more of a slob). I questioned why I felt like I had so much energy all of a sudden, wondering if it was hypomania, and I said "if this is a bad thing, why do I feel fine?" But then right afterward, I was too tired to get out of bed or eat, slept for most of the next few days, and became increasingly depressed and irritated. I was also randomly weepy for no apparent reason. I tried to be social and I started having such horrible anxiety and negative thoughts that I had to go home. I had very demeaning thoughts about myself, that people hate me, that I am totally worthless and don't belong here, which of course made me wonder how I had gotten so low, so fast. This happened over the course of a week, actually 6 days.
Someone else mentioned irritability in the comments. Being irritable has been a HUGE issue for me. It wasn't until recently that I learned that is a Bipolar 2 symptom. I used to think it was a PMS/hormonal problem, but it isn't always when I have PMS.
Does anyone else with these type of experiences agree that I may perhaps have Bipolar 2? I don't understand much about the disorder yet, how moods are triggered, what you can do to try and control that, natural ways to stay healthy.. these are the things I am trying to look into right now.
Any input is appreciated and would help us all.
This Bipolar II is killing me. The rapid mood swings is more then I can take. I do so well for a couple of months or so and then bam. I have been cycyling between aggression, anxiety and major depression, lack of sleep for the past 2 weeks now. And my whole family is exhausted. My husband is afraid to speak to me might I bite of his head. I am thinking of switching meds. I have been on lithium and Welbrutrin for three years and it is not cutting it. I hate the side effects of lithium. I go to the bathroom every 2 hours even at night. That really is not helpful when I need the sleep. I think I am going to ask my psychatrist to put be on Lamotrigine (Lamictal), because with all the reading I am doing "it sounds like a good fit." As you all know that there is no quick fix. But if it helps a bit then it is better then nothing. Glad I found this website because boy did not a need to vent.
I need help
I to have bipolar 2 I am on lamictal as well as lexapro and geodon. i have worked with a medication dr. for the past two years and am just n0w dealing with my lifes struggles a lot better than I ever have before.I also struggle with post tramatic stress disorder anxiety and depression.I am only 30 and I have felt like an old soul all my life.I live everyday with the hope that things are going in the right direction.I just wanted to tell u lamictal works for me so u should try it.
chasity
I think i have been bipolor 2 my whole live i tryed to kill my self when i was 5 years old then again when i was 15 i have been proscrible antdepressents throw out my life and stoped taking then after only a month i was diegnosed PTSD and Biplor about a year ago and they put me on depicot and i took that for 6 months and it made me depressed right now im not on anything and i dont feel like doing anything im waiting to see a doctor i know i was in deniel for a long time about my biplor and now that im not and im trying to get help i think im more awair of my feelings i have a hard time remembering things the thing i hate the most is the anger and depression and forgeting things it makes me feel stuped. i dont know what to do with my life anymore
I was diagnosed Jan 2012 with bipolar disorder, I had a hysterectomy in March and the therapist explained that is what caused the chemical inbalance.
The family physician in December put me on anti-depressants and estrogen the therapist said, that could cause one of my manic espisodes.
So now taking estrogen, 1/2 anti-depressant and 1/2 mood stabilizer just to
get on the right track. The physicians are trying to take me off the anti-depressants. I have spent too
much money on clothes, racing thoughts but I also acted out at work. Some people at work thought it was funny and they think oh she had
a hysterectomy and she will get better once they ger her hormones straightened out.
Every day at home was a challenge, down in the morning, calm at noon, laughing at night and also anxiety. My husband has been supportive but I think it is wearing on his nerves. My family physician now
knows that we are not just dealing with depression it is bipolar disorder.
I didnt know it was coming, I was having a good time at work and going out with friends earlier in
the year. I thought I was being funny at work but it got out of hand.
But at the end of November, one day at work, I could not concentrate and depression hit me like a train wreck. I am now on medical leave and
hope to return to work. I hope this story will help someone.
@Marlin:
Dont give up, find a support group in your area, counseling, I actually thought I was losing my mind.
I really should have read all of the replies but just wanted to comment so didn't. I think this bit at the end of the article…
"Rest assured that as long as you receive proper treatment, you can recover fully from bipolar II disorder and live a completely normal life."
…was meant to be reassuring and encouraging and I don't think the writer should be blamed for that.
However, I know the pain of this thing and I know how aggravating a comment like that can be for people who have suffered SO much and who are continuing to suffer. So I can see both sides.
Good luck all. We shall fight on the beaches.
@jesamine Scott: Thank you Jesamine for your comment. I too want to feel normal but can't find a doctor (and I've tried many) or medicines that work. I'm slipping downward fast too ans am screaming for help. I've been struggling with this for 48 yrs with no improvement. Fortunately I don't feel suicidal, yet!
@Jamie Reid: Jamie, Lamotrigine does not work. I felt no better and the side effects were terrible – quick neurological flashes of dizziness that would shoot from head to toe 40 or so times day. Don't bother with it – i'm coming off it.
hi i believe ive had bi polar since i was 11, but since the age of 19 (im 34 now)ive been taking antidepressents which obviously didnt really help. im now diagnosed as having bi polar 2 and take quetiapine and venlafaxine which seems to help really well. i can function like a normal person and i feel in control.what i dont understand is how can taking tablets for bi ploar for a time then comming off them work as some kind of cure? i find it impossible to think of stopping my meds. i just know that if my doc. sugested that and i stopped the meds my symptoms will just return! how can you ultimately be cured? ik confussed xxx
Hi, I was reading this article and trying to see if it relates to my situation. I have been dating this wonderful woman for little over a year. She is in the insurance buisness and on the outside looking in appears to be totally normal. I am crazy about her. I have been attracted to her for her awesome personaility. But i having been on a roller coaster ride with her from the start and feel soooo frustrated and hurt. Searching for answers. Her moods are like a light switch. She does great for 3-4 months then its like a light switch turns off. there is nothing I can say or do that she takes well. All it takes is the wrong comment jokingly and we spiral. Twice now within the year she completly pulls out of the relationships and i have no contact with her. But we have broke up prolly 12 times in the last year. Last time she pulled away I did not hear from her for a month. At the start of the first pull away my buddy found her on a date site. So we broke up. This time is worse…..I see that she is back on the date site…..asking for a "warm body". More or less looking for sex. We have not had sex in two months….says it feels dirty to her. That is soooo not her??? I read the bipolar decribtions and it fits her to a tee. I am in love with her and dont wanna walk away. But i feel so hurt and have lost trust with her plus feel completly lost cause i feel like i have done nothing wrong. I know her family has a history of bipolar and her dad was sucidal at one point. I comfronted her last saturday night and have not heard from her. She completly denies it. i wanna believe here…..but am sooooo lost. I know she is taking anxiety pills but dont know any more. Any help would be appreciated. Day # 6 with nothing from her, thank you, mike
I have been diagnosed since I was 40. I am now 51 and the depression is worst than ever. I have tried so many different cocktails of drugs I can't remember all of them. Seroquel is one that has worked so well for me, but because of the side effects Doctors will not allow me to take them. It not only help with bi polar, but also sleep issues. Now I can't even sue the manufacturer , because of time limits set up by the government. Shouldn't all this be tested and approved before we are used as lab rats. Lithium worked, but was kill my kidneys. The suicidal thoughts are getting worse. Can anyone help in these matters? Thanks!
I was diagnosed with bipolar type 2 about 8 years ago at age 40. I have been hospitalized once due to suicidal ideation, depression and anxiety. My meds were switched up a little bit at that time. I have full blown hallucinations at all ends of the spectrum (visual, audio, olfactory). Mostly though during times of high stress I hear people calling my name and see dead relations and talk to them. The last time this happened it scared me because I knew it was not real but at the same time there it was right in front of me.
I recently acquired a job after not working for 25 years. My dosage of Lexapro was cut by 10 mgs (I was on 30 mgs) and I fell apart almost losing my job. Fortunately my boss understands mental disorders and is giving me a second chance to see how it goes.
I know what is best for me is to get out in public or just get out and go for a walk. If I have to take an Ativan to do this then that is what I need to do because sitting around the house all day (which is what I tend to do) all up in my head is a dangerous place for me to be.
I have had this disorder all my life. You don't get cured. You get balanced. It is a chemical disorder of the brain. Even then, you walk a thin line. I have been improperly diagnosed until recently. Then, when I saw the list of symptoms, my life made sense. It was like reading the whole story of my life. I was treated for epilepsy, simple depression and told at one time I was a fake and should get over it. Well over 50+ years of pain and feeling I was worthless, four suicide attempts and reaching out for help and getting my hands slapped. I wouldn"t wish what I have gone through on my worst enemy. I hope they finally have the balance of meds correct.
@Prinny:
Why did your MD. perscribing Lithum? it is such a very old school Mood Stabilizer.
Bi Polar 2 you are right It is a learning process and an Invisable disease. All the Best!!!
Take Care Deborah Turnor
hey quys. i've seen all your comments and i wish you all the best! it must be terrible being like that so good luck if you ever get it because my best friend has this and it feels like the world is going to end. i cant imagine how bad it must feel if you had it. any wayyy…. good luck to every one!
I was just finally diagnosed yesterday. I still am not sure how to feel about it really. I am sort of relieved to know that a psychiatrist can look me in the eye and put a name to my chaos. I have felt "crazy" for a very long time. My family attributes everything to a difficult childhood, a hectic life, a dangerous and stressful job…blah, blah, blah…I keep telling them that those things are not the cause of this…it does affect how I react to those outside things though. I have been treated for depression and anxiety for about 13 years…I am now 41. I have had the mania…I can stay awake and be productive for 36-48 hours…and I have crashed into the depression that causes me to stay in bed and cry for days…unable to parent my 5 children or go to work…suicidal and all…it has been a rollercoaster ride from hell. I am cautiously optimistic that this doctor will be the one who makes me feel "normal" again…whatever "normal" is supposed to feel like I guess…
@Mike:
I know just how you feel…..my partner has bipolar. Grey bdays right now……my emotional lifeis full of scars.