During a manic episode, people can experience: Periods of mania can interfere with a person’s daily activities and their relationships with others. Bipolar 1 disorder is classified by a full manic episode. Overview Cyclothymia, sometimes called cyclothymic disorder, is a long-term condition where your moods cycle between hypomania and depression , but they are not incapacitating or suicidal. Bipolar Disorder 1. length and intensity of the high and the presence of major depression "Sometimes you would use antidepressants. But instead of mania, individuals with bipolar 2 experience what's called hypomania. What is the difference between bipolar 1 vs. 2 depressive episodes? Nuances aside, the difference between bipolar 1 and 2 is mania. In between these episodes of mania and depression, people who have either of these types of bipolar may experience periods of stable mood. He likens them to type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The signs of depression in both types of mood disorders are similar or often the same. However, diagnosis of bipolar disorder can be further broken down various types, such as bipolar 1 and bipolar 2. Past research shows that the majority of people with bipolar disorder are misdiagnosed at some time – and this still seems to be the case, Gao says. Bipolar 1 vs. Bipolar 2: The Differences. Bipolar II disorder is not a milder form of bipolar I disorder, but a separate diagnosis. Between mood episodes, patients suffering from either type of bipolar disorder are often able to live normal lives. As antidepressant medications may “trigger” manic episodes in some people, doctors might recommend a combination of antidepressant and antipsychotic drugs to reduce depression while stabilizing mood. Bipolar II involves a major depressive episode that lasts at least 2 weeks, followed by at least one hypomanic episode. "They can't think straight, they're sad, they have no motivation, they can be feeling suicidal.". Treatment for bipolar I disorder and bipolar II disorder typically consists of medications, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes. Individuals suffering from Bipolar I will usually experience more severe symptoms that last for shorter periods. But they still feel uncomfortable talking about bipolar," he says. Bipolar 1 disorder can cause you to alternate between depressive and manic episodes. 1 This disorder can be sometimes mistaken for extreme depression, as the manic episodes are not as intense or even present. Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that affects your moods. Some people might find it helpful to have a loved one present to provide the doctor with information about other symptoms, especially during manic periods. Remember, symptoms of mania or hypomania must be present for a diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder. Bipolar 2 . The main difference between bipolar 1 and 2 is the severity of manic episodes. "It's not the full-blown manic episode. The severity of the lows can also be the same, and this can make it difficult to get the right diagnosis initially. Bipolar II disorder. There is no full-fledged mania in Bipolar II Disorder, only hypomania and depressive episodes. Bipolar 2 is marked by mood shifts involving emotion altercations from a normal state to a depressive one. The psychiatrist or psychologist may also ask a person to keep a mood diary to track their moods, sleep patterns, and other symptoms. It affects a person’s energy levels and their ability to function in everyday life. Individuals with bipolar 1 have manic episodes; whereas individuals with bipolar 2 have hypomanic episodes. But, he and other experts emphasize, it's imperative that a person not only get treated, but stick with it, like taking medications, to control bipolar – whether 1 or 2. 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