Bipolar I vs Bipolar II
Bipolar I and Bipolar II are two forms of bipolar disorder, also known as bipolar affective disorder. This particular disorder is a psychotic disorder characterized by elevated moods or energy and mood swings.
Bipolar I is characterized by manic and depression episodes. On the other hand, bipolar II is characterized by hypomania and depression. The difference between mania and hypomania is also one of the important contrasts between the two types of disorders. The term “episode” is applicable to both disorders. An episode consists of a particular stage (mania, hypomania, depression or neutral) that can shift to another stage or episode. An occurrence of two states in a relatively short time is called a “mixed” episode.
Mania is a mood condition where there is an elevated level of energy or emotion. In addition, mania can also manifest in hyperactivity, irritability, and extreme or unpredictable actions from the person. Meanwhile, hypomania is a milder form of mania. However, hypomania being the milder form doesn’t lessen the impact of the disorder to the quality of life in a patient diagnosed with either type.
Another distinction between bipolar I and bipolar II is the occurrence of psychosis. Psychosis in bipolar I occurs in the manic stage while the same phenomenon occurs in the depressive part in bipolar II patients.
Depression is another form of comparison. Bipolar II patients have a more intense degree of depression compared to people who suffer from bipolar I. In most cases, patients with bipolar II are in a state of serious depression for a long period of time before returning to a normal state or hypomania.
Treatment of both bipolar disorders tends to be the same but may differ in the focused areas. General treatment includes medication, psychotherapy, lifestyle change or hospitalization. Application of treatment depends on each patient’s case and their degree of the disorder. In terms of medication, bipolar I patients are usually prescribed with mood stabilizers. Bipolar II patients, in contrast, may require antidepressants rather than mood stabilizers.
Summary:
- Both bipolar I and bipolar II are forms of bipolar disorder. Both types have an “episode” or have mood swings from one state to another. Two common episodes or stages of both types of disorder are depression and neutral or normal state.
- Patients with bipolar I have episodes of mania and depression while bipolar II patients suffer from hypomania and depression. Aside from these two episodes, there are also instances of a neutral state where a patient functions normally.
- Mania is described as an abnormal and elevated energy mood or emotion. On the other hand, hypomania is a lower state or degree of mania. Mania requires medication in the form of mood stabilizers while hypomania does not.
- The duration of mania, hypomania or depression can last weeks, months or any period of time depending on the severity of the disorder.
- Psychosis occurs in bipolar I patients during manic episodes. The same psychosis happens in bipolar II patients during the depression stage.
- Bipolar I is mainly associated with mania. In contrast, bipolar II sees a depressive state rather than the hypomania state. Both the depressive state in bipolar I and bipolar II can lead to suicide or a more depressed outlook on life since the patient feels more depressed for a longer period of time.
- Bipolar I can cripple a person’s lifestyle. In contrast, those with bipolar II are able to function normally.
- Treatments for both types of bipolar disorder include medication, hospitalization, psychotherapy and changes in lifestyle. In terms of medication, bipolar I patients are usually prescribed mood stabilizers while patients of bipolar II are prescribed with anti-depressants.