HOPING ONE DAY I CAN CHANGE THE WORLD BOUT THE WORD BIPOLAR IT IS NOT MENT FOR THE WORD CRAZY According to the definition in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV), bipolar II disorder (also known as bipolar 2 disorder or bipolar type 2) is "characterized by one or more major depressive episodes accompanied by at least one hypomanic episode." The key difference between
bipolar 1 and bipolar 2 is that bipolar 2 has hypomanic but not manic episodes, meaning the symptoms of mania are generally less severe in type 2. Also, while those with bipolar I disorder may experience additional psychotic symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations, bipolar II by definition cannot have psychotic features. The signs which would lead to a diagnosis of bipolar 2 disorder are:
* One or more major depressive episodes
* At least one hypomanic episode
* There has never been a manic or mixed episode
* Another disorder is not responsible for symptoms
* Symptoms cause distress or impair functioning
Symptoms and characteristics of depression include:
* Decreased energy
* Weight loss or gain
* Despair
* Irritability
* Uncontrollable crying
Symptoms and characteristics of hypomania include:
* Grandiosity
* Decreased need for sleep
* Pressured speech
* Racing thoughts
* Distractibility
* Tendency to engage in behavior that could have serious consequences, such as spending recklessly or inappropriate sexual encounters
* Excess energy
It should be noted that the symptoms of hypomania are the same as for mania, but they are less severe. Therefore, the official diagnostic criteria separating a diagnosis of bipolar II from that of bipolar I disorder is that hypomania does not cause marked impairment of functioning or require hospitalization.
