Bipolar II Disorder
The distinguishing characteristic of Bipolar II Disorder (manic depression) is the hypomanic episode (as opposed to the manic episodes of Bipolar I Disorder). Major depressive episodes are also part of this type of bipolar disorder.
What is Bipolar II Disorder?
According to the official US definition as outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders published by the American Psychiatric Association, Bipolar II Disorder is "characterized by one or more Major Depressive Episodes accompanied by at least one Hypomanic Episode." The key difference between Bipolar I and Bipolar II is that Bipolar II has hypomanic but not manic episodes.
According to the official US definition as outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders published by the American Psychiatric Association, Bipolar II Disorder is "characterized by one or more Major Depressive Episodes accompanied by at least one Hypomanic Episode." The key difference between Bipolar I and Bipolar II is that Bipolar II has hypomanic but not manic episodes.
Bipolar II: Mood Swings Without "Manic" Episodes
Psychiatrist James Phelps offers information on Bipolar II, Mixed States, Cyclothymia, "anxious depression" and more. Some of his descriptions extend the definitions in DSM-IV, but many experts feel that DSM-IV is too limited.
Psychiatrist James Phelps offers information on Bipolar II, Mixed States, Cyclothymia, "anxious depression" and more. Some of his descriptions extend the definitions in DSM-IV, but many experts feel that DSM-IV is too limited.