Bipolar 2- Learn More

Bipolar 2 disorder patients will have sudden mood swings including hypomanic and depressive episodes. Unlike bipolar type one, bipolar 2 does not include hallucinations or other psychotic symptoms. Hypomania is a milder form of manic episode than are the manic episodes seen in type one bipolar patients. Bipolar 2 patients have more severe depressive episodes than type one bipolar patients, with suicidal thoughts and even suicide attempts being far more common in these patients. This makes the Type 2 Bipolar Symptoms really dangerous.

Symptoms of Bipolar 2

Bipolar 2 patients do have highs as well as lows; these are the hypomanic episodes mentioned above. While not as severe as the manic states of bipolar one patients, these episodes lead to patients walking, talking, thinking and working faster. There is a sense of optimism and great enthusiasm in bipolar 2 patients during these episodes of hypomania.

The Ups and Downs of Bipolar Type 2

Bipolar 2 is often diagnosed after a patient has had at least one severe depressive episode and at least one hypomanic episode without any manic episodes being experienced. In the event that there is no other explanation for these symptoms, a diagnosis of bipolar 2 will be made.

Depressive Episodes

A major depressive episode is exactly as the name suggests; a period of severe depression. The symptoms of these episodes are identical to those of clinical depression and include:

–A decreased interest in life in general, including favored activities.
–Feelings of sadness, anxiety, or irritability.
–A loss of energy.
–Changed sleeping patterns.
–Restlessness.
–Difficulty making decisions.
–Having trouble concentrating.
–Feelings of worthlessness or guilt.
–Feelings of hopelessness.
–Thoughts of suicide or death.

These depressive episodes can be quite severe; while the hypomanic phase of bipolar 2 makes patients feel good about themselves and are generally quite productive at these times, the cost of these upswings is high. Coming down from these euphoric states into a severe depression can be very difficult to cope with.