Recognizing The Different Types Of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar II Disorder

Like patients with bipolar I disorder, those who have bipolar II disorder must have at least one major depressive episode. However, the significant difference between the two is individuals with bipolar II disorder experience hypomanic episodes rather than manic. Patients who seek treatment for bipolar II disorder often go in due to the depressive episodes first, which can be quite severe. Individuals who have this type of bipolar disorder usually have other mental illnesses, such as generalized anxiety disorder, or substance use disorder.

Doctors will treat bipolar II disorder with medication and psychotherapy, much like they would bipolar I disorder. Similarly, ECT may come into play if medication and psychotherapy are not working for the patient.

Continue reading to discover the third primary type of bipolar disorder, cyclothymic disorder, and how it is treated.