Understanding Bipolar I & II Disorders
- Megan K. Ramirez, PMHNP
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
If you've ever wondered whether your mood swings are more than just stress, you are not alone. Many people experience highs and lows that can be signs of bipolar disorder. While this condition has more than one form, understanding the differences between Bipolar I and Bipolar II can provide clarity and help you find support.
Bipolar I Disorder
Bipolar I is defined by episodes of mania. This is a period of extremely high energy and mood that lasts for at least one week. Mania can look like:
Starting multiple big projects at once
Talking faster than usual
Needing very little sleep
Making impulsive decisions
While mania can feel exciting at first, it can quickly become overwhelming and disruptive. Depressive episodes are also common, but a diagnosis of Bipolar I only requires one manic episode.
Bipolar II Disorder
Bipolar II involves periods of hypomania, which is a less severe form of mania that lasts for at least four consecutive days. Hypomania might feel like:
Feeling more confident or social than usual
A burst of creativity or motivation
Needing less sleep but still feeling productive
Hypomania is usually less disruptive than mania. However, it is often followed by significant depressive episodes that can be long-lasting and difficult to manage.
When Bipolar Disorder Appears
Bipolar disorder often begins earlier than people expect:
Bipolar I typically starts in the late teens or early 20s.
Bipolar II often begins a little later, commonly in the mid-20s.
Bipolar disorder can also develop later in adulthood. It is never too late to seek help.
Seeking a Diagnosis
You don’t have to figure this out alone. Mental health professionals use screening tools to better understand what you have been experiencing. While these tools do not provide a final diagnosis, they can be a great starting point for a conversation with a provider. Some common screeners include:
Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ): A quick self-assessment that screens for mania or hypomania.
Hypomania Checklist (HCL-32): A tool designed to identify patterns of hypomania.
Treatment Options
Bipolar disorder is very treatable. With the right care, many people lead stable and fulfilling lives. Treatment plans are personalized and may include a combination of medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes.
The goal of medication is to help stabilize moods and reduce the severity of episodes.
Mood Stabilizers: These medications are the foundation of bipolar treatment. Examples include lithium, valproate, and lamotrigine.
Atypical Antipsychotics: These can treat mania, depression, or mixed episodes. Examples include quetiapine and lurasidone.
Antidepressants: These are sometimes used for bipolar depression but are almost always paired with a mood stabilizer to prevent a manic episode.
Benzodiazepines: These are used for short-term management of acute symptoms like severe agitation or insomnia.
Therapy can help you learn new skills and coping mechanisms. Examples include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This helps you reshape unhelpful thought patterns.
Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT): This helps you create stable daily routines.
Lifestyle Changes: Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and engaging in calming activities like journaling or mindfulness can also be beneficial.
If you recognize yourself in this information, please know you’re not broken and you’re not alone. Bipolar disorder is just one part of your story; it doesn’t define your worth or future. Reaching out for help is an act of strength that leads to a more stable and hopeful life. Contact us to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward healing.