The Long Term Effects Of Bipolar Disorder

6. Bipolar Disorder II

Bipolar disorder II occurs when significant depressive symptoms accompanied by occasional hypomania are present for at least four days. Patients with bipolar disorder II can remain fully functional between episodes and do not experience mixed or manic episodes like the bipolar disorder I group. However, patients with bipolar disorder II have significantly more depressive symptoms and shorter periods of being well in between. People with bipolar disorder II are at an increased risk of suicide as their symptoms are chronic and long-term with little periods of remission.