What is Bipolar II?
Bipolar II is a type of mental illness in which those who suffer swing between periods of elation, overactivity and excitement and persistent low moods. Formerly considered to be manic depression, the disorder has now earned its own distinct classification in the DSM-V. While sufferers tend to go through periods of depression with Bipolar II, their high moods never quite reach the manic stage that can be seen in Bipolar I. In order to be considered to be suffering from Bipolar II, a person needs to have gone through at least one hypomanic episode during his or her life. As stated before, since there isn’t a strong manic response in those suffering from Bipolar II, sufferers tend to deal more persistently with depression, as a rule.
Who can develop Bipolar II?
While anyone can develop this disorder, it’s estimated that 2.5% of the U.S. population suffers from either Bipolar I or Bipolar II, which factors to around 6 million people suffering from the illness in the country. While most people who will develop the illness are in their teens or early twenties when they first start to develop symptoms, nearly everyone who will develop the illness will do so before the age of fifty.
What are the symptoms?
When going through hypomania, sufferers either feel euphoria or irritability. Symptoms can include sufferers shifting very quickly from one idea to the next, having an exaggerated sense of self confidence, rapid, uninterruptable, and loud speech, and an increased level of energy. This often involves hyperactivity, as well as a noticeably decreased need for sleep. While those going through a hypomanic episode may be seen as being fun to be around, their behavior can often dip into the inappropriate, with some sufferers engaging in reckless sexual behaviors, or spending money that they don’t have.
Those suffering from Bipolar II are far more likely, however, to suffer from depressive episodes, which episodes can occur soon after their hypomania subsides, or much later. Some of those who suffer cycle between hypomania and depression, while others retain a normal mood in between episodes. Both hypomanic and depressive episodes can last weeks or months if left untreated, and depressive episodes can rarely even last several years.
How is this treated?
If admitted to a dual diagnosis treatment center, some suffering from Bipolar II can expect treatment involving a wide range of medications. One of these is lithium. By using this simple metal in pill form, disruptive mood states, especially hypomanic ones, can be leveled out quite effectively. Used for over sixty years, this treatment option can take weeks to take effect, and as such is not suitable for short term hypomanic episodes, but rather for more long term episodes.
Those in dual diagnosis treatment programs can also expect to be treated with a drug like Tegretol, which actually works to prevent future hypomanic and depressive episodes. Another drug commonly used is Lamictal. Approved by the FDA for a sort of maintenance treatment of sufferers of Bipolar II, it’s been found to delay bouts of depression, mania, and hypomania, as well as mixed episodes in people who are being treated with standard talk therapy. It’s been found to be especially helpful in preventing depressive episodes. Also included in the treatment process are antipsychotics, benzodiazepines, and antidepressants, all of which have been shown to be effective when used in conjunction to form a personalized “cocktail” that’s been tailor made to suit the patient.
While it’s not known if Bipolar II can be prevented, regular therapy, as well as medication management can prevent future episodes.
