Handling day-to-day highs and lows can be a daily struggle for those dealing with bipolar 2 mood disorder. Often misdiagnosed or even not identified, it is a serious mental disease that affects relationships, jobs, and general quality of life, in addition to mood swings.
Although virtually identical in every way to bipolar 1, bipolar 2 disorder is different in some ways and must be properly diagnosed and treated as such.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options for bipolar 2 disorder, helping individuals and families better understand the condition and how to manage it effectively.
What Is Bipolar 2 Mood Disorder?
This is a type of bipolar disorder characterized by a pattern of depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes, but not the full-blown manic episodes that define bipolar 1 disorder.
Hypomania is less severe mania. While hypomania patients are active, self-confident, or highly productive, these attacks rarely lead to the extreme disruption of daily living that mania causes.
Depressive episodes in bipolar 2, however, can be severely incapacitating and longer-lasting and, in fact, typically lead to emotional and physical depletion.
Bipolar 1 Vs. Bipolar 2: Key Differences
Understanding the key differences between bipolar 1 and bipolar 2 is essential for proper treatment.
| Feature | Bipolar 1 Disorder | Bipolar 2 mood Disorder |
| Manic Episodes | Present (severe) | Absent |
| Hypomanic Episodes | Maybe present | Present |
| Depressive Episodes | Common | Common and often more severe |
| Hospitalization Risk | Higher (due to mania) | Lower, but still possible (due to depression) |
Diagnosing the Symptoms of Bipolar 2 Mood Disorder
Hypomanic Symptoms:
- A mood that is elevated, expansive, or irritated for a minimum of four days
- Increased grandiosity or self-esteem
- Reduced need for sleep
- Excessive talkativeness
- Flight of ideas or racing thoughts
- Easily distractible
- Increase in goal-directed activity or motor restlessness
- Impairment behavior (e.g., extravagance, risky sex, poor decisions)
Depressive Symptoms:
- Persistent hopelessness or sadness
- Loss of enjoyment or interest in nearly every activity
- Fatigue or loss of energy
- Unwarranted or excessive feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Inability to concentrate or make decisions
- Change in appetite or behavior
- Thoughts of suicide or death
Because manic bipolar depression in this disorder is more prolonged and severe than the hypomanic ones, it will tend to cover up the disorder and will result in the disorder being misdiagnosed as major depression disorder.
Causes and Risk Factors
The etiology of bipolar 2 mood disorder is not known, but the etiologic factors for it have been found as follows:
1. Genetics
Genetic vulnerability in the family history makes an individual susceptible to developing the disease. Not all individuals with a genetic predisposition develop symptoms, however.
2. Brain Structure and Function
Neurotransmitter disturbances of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine may influence mood regulation. Brain imaging research indicates structural and functional disturbances in patients with bipolar disorder.
3. Environmental Triggers
Trauma, stressful life events, substance abuse, or sleep disturbance can be precipitants of episodes of mood, especially in the genetically vulnerable.
Diagnosis and Challenges
This can be challenging to diagnose since hypomanic episodes are subtle. Hypomania manifests as excessive energy or productivity and tends to be confused with normal improvement of mood or even achievement behavior.
A mental health clinician would typically conduct:
- A comprehensive psychiatric assessment
- Medical history review
- Longitudinal mood monitoring
- Contact with close family members (with consent)
Misdiagnosis is common, and most are first diagnosed with depression because depressive episodes are usually the most obvious and infuriating symptom of bipolar 2.
Treatment of Bipolar 2 Mood Disorder
Bipolar 2 is a chronic condition, but can be treated successfully with an appropriate combination of treatments. Treatment usually includes individualized treatment comprising the following:
1. Medication
- Mood stabilizers (lithium, lamotrigine, etc.) also control mood swings.
- Depressants are used cautiously because they cause hypomania unless they are reversed with a mood stabilizer.
- Atypical antipsychotics cure depressive and hypomanic symptoms.
2. Psychotherapy
- Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) teaches patients and reverse dysfunctional thought patterns.
- Regular daily routines and managing interpersonal interactions are the focus of Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT).
- Family therapy involves loved ones in treatment to create support systems and reduce misunderstandings.
3. Changes in Lifestyle
- Establishing regular sleeping and eating habits
- Avoiding alcohol and illegal drugs
- Reducing stress with meditation or mindfulness
- Mood recording to track episodes and precipitants
Early diagnosis and treatment are necessary. Untreated bipolar 2 can put individuals at risk for relationship breakdown, work instability, and even suicide.
Living with Bipolar 2: Support and Hope
It is hard to control bipolar 2 mood disorder, but if someone is properly supported, there are many individuals who can live healthy, normal lives. Online or offline support groups make one feel connected and part of a fraternity.
Informed education about the disorder and making others aware of the same among your relatives can be of immense help in being capable of handling it properly.
Consistency is key in treatment—suddenly stopping medication or skipping therapy sessions can lead to relapse. Having a professional mental health practitioner as a partner guarantees that treatment changes are made professionally and safely.
When to Seek Help?
If you or someone in your life is experiencing severe depression, hypomania, or manic bipolar depression, professional help must be obtained. Mood disorders are medical illnesses that must be treated consistently, like diabetes or high blood pressure.
At MD Behavioral Health, we provide empathetic, evidence-based care for your condition. We’re experts in bipolar 1 disorder and bipolar 2 disorder. You don’t have to live with it behind closed doors.
Start toward balance and stability.
Get information or schedule an anonymous consultation visit today with our team.