Bipolar II Disorder

Updated: 2024-08-14

Description

A mental health condition that causes mood swings that include emotional highs called hypomania — a milder form of mania — and lows called depression.

Overview

Bipolar II disorder is a mental health condition that causes mood swings with emotional highs called hypomania — a less extreme form of mania — and lows called depression. The frequency of episodes varies. While the manic episodes of bipolar I disorder can be severe and dangerous, bipolar II disorder can cause depression for longer periods of time.

Symptoms

Symptoms include mild mania, unpredictable mood and behavior, and anxious distress. People also can have depression for long periods of time, causing major problems in life.

Treatments

Treatment aims to manage symptoms. Treatments include medicines, talk therapy and getting help to manage substance alcohol or substance misuse. Day programs or hospital stays may be recommended if needed. Medicines may include mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, antidepressants and antianxiety drugs.