What is the difference between bipolar I and bipolar II?

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The key difference between Bipolar I and Bipolar II is that Bipolar II has hypomanic but not manic episodes. 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.

Bipolar I

Bipolar I disorder encompasses the classic definition of manic-depressive disorder and requires that the patient has had a manic episode to confirm the diagnosis.6

DSM-IV-TR diagnostic criteria for bipolar I disorder include:

The patient is or was recently in a manic episode
The patient has had at least one previous major depressive episode, manic episode, or mixed episode
The mood episodes mentioned in 1 and 2 are not better accounted for by schizoaffective disorder and are not superimposed on schizophrenia, schizophreniform disorder, delusional disorder, or psychotic disorder not otherwise specified
Bipolar II

Bipolar II disorder comprises recurrent major depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes.42

DSM-IV-TR diagnostic criteria for bipolar II disorder include:

One or more major depressive episodes
At least one hypomanic episode
The patient has never had a manic or mixed episode
The mood episodes mentioned in 1 and 2 are not better accounted for by schizoaffective disorder and are not superimposed on schizophrenia, schizophreniform disorder, delusional disorder, or psychotic disorder not otherwise specified
The symptoms cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning...Show more

Bipolar 1 is the traditional Bipolar where you have a depressed phase lasting about 4 months a normal period and then a Manic phase that is quite pronounced-ecstatic and over the top-it can last anywhere from several weeks to several months.

In Bipolar 2 instead of a manic phase there is a lesser manic phase called hypomanic. This is a high phase but not as severe as full blown manic phase. Sometimes a person can Bipolar 2 and be kicked into a full manic phase through substance abuse or high stress in their lives.

S...Show more

Basically the only difference is Bipolar I Disorder involves full manic or mixed episodes. Bipolar II Disorder only includes hypomanic episodes which have the same symptoms, but are not as severe and incapacitating as, manic episodes. The vast majority of people with both bipolar I and bipolar II will also have major depressive episodes....Show more

Hi Breene, Yes, you are correct, there is a difference! Your doctor should have told you which you have when they diagnosed you. I have II myself, and I could talk about this subject endlessly! Therefore, I’m going to give you some well informed web sites. I know it’s not a direct answer, but it WILL GIVE TONS OF INFORMATION which will be VERY HELPFUL FOR YOU! I wish you the best in your doctor finding the right medication combination. BIG HUG :) Deb
p.s. They are in no particular order.

http://www.healingwell.com/depression/

http://www.psychiatry24x7.com/

http://www.psychiatry24x7.com/bgdisplay.jhtml?itemname=mooddiary

http://www.moodtracker.com/index.php

http://www.pendulum.org/

http://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/default.htm

http://bipolar.about.com/

http://www.angelfire.com/home/bphoenix1/

http://www.psych.org/
American Psychiatric Association
This website is primarily directed at psychiatrists, but it does contain some interesting information on it, such as treatment guidelines, etc.

http://healthyminds.org/
American Psychiatric Association

http://www.dbsalliance.org/index.html
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
Patient-directed organization focusing on the most prevalent mental illnesses –– depression and bipolar disorder.

http://www.nami.org
The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill
Advocacy organization for issues related to mental illness

http://www.nmha.org/index.cfm
National Mental Health Organization
Country's (USA) oldest and largest nonprofit organization addressing all aspects of mental health and mental illness.

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/nimhhome/index.cfm
National Institute of Mental Health
NIMH offers a variety of publications and other educational resources to help people with mental disorders, the general public, mental health and health care practitioners, and researchers gain a better understanding of mental illnesses and the research programs of the NIMH

http://www.psycheducation.org/
PsychEducation.org
Site created by a medical doctor about depression and other mental illnesses.

http://arthritis.about.com/cs/disability/a/selfhelpssdi.htm
About.com SSDI Self Help Guide
A guide on applying for Social Security Disability

http://www.ssa.gov/disability/
SSA Disability Page
The main page for Social Security Disability

http://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/index.htm
Social Security Blue Book
The criteria the SSA uses to determine if you're disabled -- interesting read....Show more

Bipolar II can only be diagnosed if a person has never experienced an episode of mania, however, the person must experience at least on episode of hypomania, which is a less severe form of mania....Show more