An Explanation of Bipolar 2

Bipolar 2 is a type of mental disorder. It is related to bipolar 1. The main difference between the two are that with Bipolar 2 the manic episodes do not go as high as those in bipolar 1. It can be difficult to really understand the difference without taking a good look into the disorder.

The Signs

A bipolar disorder is characterized by extreme mood swings. There is a high and a low. People suffering from any type of bipolar disorder will go back and forth between the two types of episodes – manic and depressive. Sometimes with Bipolar 2, a person may have periods where they are not manic or depressive, as well.

The manic episode of bipolar is the high side of the disorder. During a manic episode a person will feel very happy. In Bipolar 2 the manic episode never reaches the extreme high that it does with bipolar 1. It is more about the transition between the high and low with type 2.

The low episode is called the depressive episode. Just like with any type of depressive disorder a person will feel very sad, hopeless and generally not happy. In a person with bipolar disorder this can be extreme because of the switching between the high episode and the low episode.

The main symptoms of bipolar are broken down into both manic and depressive symptoms.

The manic symptoms include:

Inability to concentrate
Speaking quickly
High energy levels
Overall positive mood
Impulsive behavior

The depressive symptoms include:

Low energy
Sadness
Suicidal thoughts

Who’s at Risk

It is thought that about 6 million people in the United States suffer from Bipolar 2. Most people are in their teens or early 20s when they are first diagnosed with the disorder. It is thought to have a genetic link, so a family history does raise the risk of developing the disorder. However, anyone is at risk to develop it.

Treatments

The treatment for Bipolar 2 include medication and counseling. Sometimes the manic episode is not treated if it is not extreme where it is causing harm or posing a risk to the person. Depressive episodes, though, are always treated.

The most common medication used in treatment is lithium which is a mood stabilizer. It can help to stop the mood swings and keep a person’s mood balanced. It has been used for a long time in the treatment of bipolar disorder. Usually if lithium is used it is for the long term and not just as needed because it can take time for the drug to work.

Lithium also requires constant monitoring because it can cause harmful side effects. Another drug type commonly used is antiseaizure medication. The medications used are divalproex and carbamazepine. Antidepressants may also be used during depressive episodes.

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An Explanation of Bipolar 2

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