An Overview of Symptoms and Treatment Options for Bipolar II
The classifications within the broader term of bipolar disorder have narrowed due to the increased number of studies and diagnosis done over a number of years. One of these narrowing classifications that have helped to identify the various types and kinds of bipolar is bipolar 2. People who suffer from bipolar 2 often experience symptoms such as swinging from depressed to hypo manic states without the manic states or manic depression that is found in bipolar 1.
Recognizing the Signs of Bipolar and Bipolar 2
In general, recognizing manic depression is not as difficult as recognizing the characteristics of the individual types of bipolar. In a lot of cases, the differences between the various types can be subtle and hard to recognize. To know if a person is suffering from bipolar 2, it is essential that you are also able to recognize a mild bipolar known as hypomania which forms one of the bipolar symptoms forms.
A hypo manic person would experience rapid interchanges between the productive manic phase and what would be classified as normal or baseline behavior. They hardly experience depression and would rarely encounter manic episodes. People with bipolar 2 won’t extend deep into the manic portion of this cycle and experience a true manic episode. Instead, the cycle will lead them back down to normal and then into a state of depression before returning to normality to fully complete the cycle.
This is one of the main differences between bipolar manic depression and this form of bipolar. Individuals who have bipolar 2 will have symptoms of depression, which can be as severe as in manic depression. They will then cycle upwards, in some cases rapidly to normal behavior and then into the hypomanic phase.
High energy is one characteristic of this but rarely involves activities that are excessively dangerous. One example is a person who may clean their home to an extensive degree, may be talkative, hyper or be involved on a project. This person may also spend excessively but not the point that a person with true mania would and that is to spend to the point of endangering finances.
Treatment Options
Anti depressants is what is normally used to treat someone suffering from bipolar 2. This at the standard dosage works well on normal bipolar manic depression but can actually be a problem for those who have other types of bipolar. Milder doses are required especially if antipsychotics are being used. Anticonvulsants, which have mood stabilizing properties, can also be used in these cases without creating negative side effects. Bipolar 2 individuals are also recommended to acquire therapy.
There are numerous treatment options available for people with bipolar that can help you lead a complete and normal life. It is essential that you get diagnosed and help. This ensures that you are able to lead an active and normal life. There are a good number of people who shy away from seeking the help of mental health professionals. Having the bipolar affective disorder or bipolar 2 can affect not only your home life but also your ability to hold a job and provide for your family.