Difference Between Bipolar 1 and 2

The main difference between bipolar 1 and bipolar 2 disorders lies in the severity of the manic episodes caused by each type. A person with bipolar 1 will experience a full manic episode, while a person with bipolar 2 will experience only a hypomanic episode (a period that's less severe than a full manic episode).

1. What is the main difference between bipolar 1 and 2?
2. Is Type 1 or Type 2 bipolar worse?
3. What are the 4 types of bipolar?
4. Are bipolar 1 and 2 treated differently?
5. What is a person with bipolar like?
6. Can a bipolar person truly love?
7. Is Bipolar type 2 serious?
8. Can bipolar go away?
9. What is the best mood stabilizer for bipolar?
10. How do I know if I'm bipolar?
11. Can bipolar people tell they are bipolar?
12. What age do signs of bipolar show up?

What is the main difference between bipolar 1 and 2?

Bipolar I disorder involves periods of severe mood episodes from mania to depression. Bipolar II disorder is a milder form of mood elevation, involving milder episodes of hypomania that alternate with periods of severe depression.

Is Type 1 or Type 2 bipolar worse?

Types of bipolar disorder

Bipolar I disorder is the most severe form of the illness. Bipolar II disorder is characterized by predominantly depressive episodes accompanied by occasional hypomanic episodes. Hypomanic episodes are milder than manic episodes but can still impair functioning.

What are the 4 types of bipolar?

Or the cycles can be much longer, lasting up to several weeks or even months. According to the American Psychiatric Association, there are four major categories of bipolar disorder: bipolar I disorder, bipolar II disorder, cyclothymic disorder, and bipolar disorder due to another medical or substance abuse disorder.

Are bipolar 1 and 2 treated differently?

Answer From Daniel K. Hall-Flavin, M.D. Treatment for bipolar disorder, formerly called manic-depression, generally involves medications and forms of psychotherapy — whether you have bipolar I or bipolar II. Bipolar II disorder is not a milder form of bipolar I disorder, but a separate diagnosis.

What is a person with bipolar like?

People with bipolar experience both episodes of severe depression, and episodes of mania – overwhelming joy, excitement or happiness, huge energy, a reduced need for sleep, and reduced inhibitions. The experience of bipolar is uniquely personal.

Can a bipolar person truly love?

Absolutely. Can someone with bipolar disorder have a normal relationship? With work from both you and your partner, yes. When someone you love has bipolar disorder, their symptoms can be overwhelming at times.

Is Bipolar type 2 serious?

Bipolar II disorder is not a milder form of bipolar I disorder, but a separate diagnosis. While the manic episodes of bipolar I disorder can be severe and dangerous, individuals with bipolar II disorder can be depressed for longer periods, which can cause significant impairment.

Can bipolar go away?

Although the symptoms come and go, bipolar disorder usually requires lifetime treatment and does not go away on its own. Bipolar disorder can be an important factor in suicide, job loss, and family discord, but proper treatment leads to better outcomes.

What is the best mood stabilizer for bipolar?

Lamotrigine (Lamictal) may be the most effective mood stabilizer for depression in bipolar disorder, but is not as helpful for mania. The starting dose of lamotrigine should be very low and increased very slowly over four weeks or more.

How do I know if I'm bipolar?

To get a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, you must have had at least one manic or hypomanic experience. Signs of manic behavior include: Your mood isn't comfortable. It might feel good at first, especially after depression.

Can bipolar people tell they are bipolar?

So no, not everyone who has bipolar disorder knows they have it. There are lots of reasons why someone with bipolar disorder might not realize it—or why they might deny having it even if they do.

What age do signs of bipolar show up?

Bipolar disorder can present itself at any age, but typically, onset occurs around age 25.