Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTypes of BDDifferencesHypomanic vs. ManiaMania and Hypomania SymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatmentCoping
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Types of BD
Differences
Hypomanic vs. Mania
Mania and Hypomania Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Coping
The bipolar 2 state is typically associated with less severe, hypomanic symptoms. Keep in mind that each person diagnosed with a bipolar disorder is affected differently. However, the length and intensity of manic, hypomanic, or depressive episodes will determine the type of bipolar diagnosis.
This article explains the types of bipolar disorder and the differences between bipolar 1 and bipolar 2. It will help you to know more about how bipolar disorders are treated and offers tips on coping with a diagnosis.
Types of Bipolar Disorder
Regardless of the type, bipolar disorder can significantly impact a person’s daily life.
What Causes Bipolar Disorder?
What Are the Differences Between Bipolar 1 and 2?
Bipolar 1 and 2 are similar in that periods of elevated mood and symptoms of depression can occur in both types of the condition.
The main difference between the two types is the degree to which mania presents.
In bipolar 1 disorder, a person experiences a full manic episode, which causes extreme changes in mood and energy. Symptoms are severe enough that they may interfere with a person’s functioning at home, school, or work.
Less severe symptoms occur during a hypomanic episode, which are present inbipolar 2 disorder. In hypomania, a person experiences an elevated mood, but it isn’t as intense and doesn’t last as long as a manic episode.
Ultimately, these types share similar symptoms, but the way in which they are experienced can be different.
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What Are the Differences Between Hypomanic and Mania?
The symptoms of bipolar 1 disorder can be more severe than bipolar 2 due to the mania associated with bipolar 1 disorder. In some cases, people may require inpatient care (hospitalization) because of extreme manic episodes, which may be associated with:
With bipolar 2, hypomania (a less intense and shorter duration of symptoms) occurs.
It’s not clear whether bipolar 1 or bipolar 2 is more common. Overall bipolar disorder prevalence is low, with only 2.8% of U.S. adults having the condition.Limited research on this question has noted the prevalence of each bipolar type as being slightly over 1%.
Bipolar Disorder and Other Causes of Psychosis
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What Are the Symptoms of Mania and Hypomania?
During a manic episode, a person can experience the following symptoms for at least a week:
Symptoms of hypomania mirror those of mania, except they last for a shorter period, at least four days, and are less severe.
Depression in bipolar disorder might look like:
Help Is AvailableIf you or someone you know are having suicidal thoughts, dial988to contact the988 Suicide & Crisis Lifelineand connect with a trained counselor. If you or a loved one is in immediate danger, call911.
Help Is Available
If you or someone you know are having suicidal thoughts, dial988to contact the988 Suicide & Crisis Lifelineand connect with a trained counselor. If you or a loved one is in immediate danger, call911.
While the cause of bipolar disorder is not entirely understood, genetics and environmental factors may contribute to the onset of the condition.
The risk of developing bipolar disorder is higher in people with a first-degree relative (a parent or sibling). Bipolar disorder also is a common diagnosis that co-occurs inpeople with autism, with the possibility of a genetic link, although the reasons for why remain unclear.
Environmental factors such as maltreatment during childhood, trauma, or experiencing significant life events may also influence the onset of the disorder, as stress may be a trigger.Lack of sleep can trigger a manic or hypomanic episode, though there’s some evidence that occurs more often in people with a bipolar 1 diagnosis.
Further research is needed to enhance understanding and expand on the potential causes of bipolar disorder.
How Is Bipolar Disorder Diagnosed?
There is no definitive test a person can take to determine if they have bipolar disorder. However, getting a mental health evaluation with a psychiatrist or licensed psychologist is the first step toward getting a diagnosis.
During an assessment, a licensed mental health professional gathers information about a patient’s psychological health, including the intensity and severity of symptoms. This process allows them to get a complete picture of a patient’s history and current concerns to make an accurate diagnosis.
To specifically diagnose bipolar 1 vs. bipolar 2, a mental health professional will need to review any manic, hypomanic, and depressive episodes that have occurred.
They may also recommend that patients seek a physical evaluation so a healthcare provider can rule out potential medical conditions that could be causing symptoms.
Upon diagnosing a patient with bipolar disorder, conversations about treatment will begin.
How Is Bipolar Disorder Treated?
Though they are different types, treatments for bipolar 1 and bipolar 2 are very similar.
Medicationsare used to help stabilize the mood of patients with bipolar disorder:
Talk therapy is also effective for treating bipolar disorder, especially in conjunction with medication. Patients can learn more about a diagnosis, identify triggers and patterns, and establish coping and safety plans as needed.
Various therapy methods can be used in the treatment of bipolar disorder, including cognitive behavioral therapy and family-focused therapy.A cognitive approach helps clients to develop healthy thoughts and behaviors, and cope with difficult feelings. Family-focused strategies can provide education and understanding for family members and a person’s support system.
Additionally, treatment interventions that focus on creating a routine and healthy habits can benefit people with the condition.
Working closely with a psychiatrist can help with finding the right medication combination for you. It also creates an opportunity for patients to consistently monitor their symptoms, discuss any changes, and get questions about medication answered.
Why Does Bipolar Disorder Get Worse With Age?
How to Cope With Bipolar Disorder
Being diagnosed with bipolar disorder can be overwhelming.
On one hand, it may be a relief for some to have a diagnosis, which can help patients learn more about the condition and provide context for their experiences. On the other hand, a diagnosis can stir up feelings of anxiety or fear about prognosis.
Part of living with and receiving treatment for bipolar disorder is learning to accept the condition and take care of yourself. Helpful coping strategies might include:
Living With Bipolar Disorder
Summary
The symptoms of bipolar disorder can vary from mild to extreme impacts that interfere with your life. The best way to determine if you have bipolar 1 or bipolar 2 is to speak with a psychiatrist or licensed mental health professional.
Understanding which type of the disorder you have can help you live with the condition. Your provider can create an individualized treatment plan using medication, therapy, and self-care strategies to help manage symptoms and improve your quality of life.
11 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Psychiatric Association.What is bipolar disorder?Schutte MJL, Bohlken MM, Collin G, Abramovic L, Boks MPM, Cahn W,et al.Functional connectome differences in individuals with hallucinations across the psychosis continuum.Sci Rep. 2021 Jan 13;11(1):1108. doi:10.1038/s41598-020-80657-8.National Alliance on Mental Illness.Bipolar disorder.Clemente AS, Diniz BS, Nicolato R, et al.Bipolar disorder prevalence: a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature.Braz J Psychiatry. 2015;37(2):155-161. doi:10.1590/1516-4446-2012-1693Nurnberger JI, Koller DL, Jung J, et al.Identification of pathways for bipolar disorder: a meta-analysis.JAMA Psychiatry. 2014;71(6):657. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2014.176Ghaziuddin M, Ghaziuddin N.Bipolar Disorder and Psychosis in Autism.Psychiatr Clin North Am. 2021 Mar;44(1):1-9. doi:10.1016/j.psc.2020.11.001.Rowland TA, Marwaha S.Epidemiology and risk factors for bipolar disorder.Ther Adv Psychopharmacol. 2018;8(9):251-269. doi:10.1177/2045125318769235Lewis KS, Gordon-Smith K, Forty L, Di Florio A, Craddock N, Jones L,et al.Sleep loss as a trigger of mood episodes in bipolar disorder: individual differences based on diagnostic subtype and gender.Br J Psychiatry. 2017 Sep;211(3):169-174. doi:10.1192/bjp.bp.117.202259.Datto C, Pottorf WJ, Feeley L, LaPorte S, Liss C.Bipolar II compared with bipolar I disorder: baseline characteristics and treatment response to quetiapine in a pooled analysis of five placebo-controlled clinical trials of acute bipolar depression.Ann Gen Psychiatry. 2016;15:9. doi:10.1186/s12991-016-0096-0Food and Drug Administration.Igalmi label.Kato T.Current understanding of bipolar disorder: Toward integration of biological basis and treatment strategies.Psychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2019;73(9):526-540. doi:10.1111/pcn.12852
11 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Psychiatric Association.What is bipolar disorder?Schutte MJL, Bohlken MM, Collin G, Abramovic L, Boks MPM, Cahn W,et al.Functional connectome differences in individuals with hallucinations across the psychosis continuum.Sci Rep. 2021 Jan 13;11(1):1108. doi:10.1038/s41598-020-80657-8.National Alliance on Mental Illness.Bipolar disorder.Clemente AS, Diniz BS, Nicolato R, et al.Bipolar disorder prevalence: a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature.Braz J Psychiatry. 2015;37(2):155-161. doi:10.1590/1516-4446-2012-1693Nurnberger JI, Koller DL, Jung J, et al.Identification of pathways for bipolar disorder: a meta-analysis.JAMA Psychiatry. 2014;71(6):657. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2014.176Ghaziuddin M, Ghaziuddin N.Bipolar Disorder and Psychosis in Autism.Psychiatr Clin North Am. 2021 Mar;44(1):1-9. doi:10.1016/j.psc.2020.11.001.Rowland TA, Marwaha S.Epidemiology and risk factors for bipolar disorder.Ther Adv Psychopharmacol. 2018;8(9):251-269. doi:10.1177/2045125318769235Lewis KS, Gordon-Smith K, Forty L, Di Florio A, Craddock N, Jones L,et al.Sleep loss as a trigger of mood episodes in bipolar disorder: individual differences based on diagnostic subtype and gender.Br J Psychiatry. 2017 Sep;211(3):169-174. doi:10.1192/bjp.bp.117.202259.Datto C, Pottorf WJ, Feeley L, LaPorte S, Liss C.Bipolar II compared with bipolar I disorder: baseline characteristics and treatment response to quetiapine in a pooled analysis of five placebo-controlled clinical trials of acute bipolar depression.Ann Gen Psychiatry. 2016;15:9. doi:10.1186/s12991-016-0096-0Food and Drug Administration.Igalmi label.Kato T.Current understanding of bipolar disorder: Toward integration of biological basis and treatment strategies.Psychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2019;73(9):526-540. doi:10.1111/pcn.12852
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Psychiatric Association.What is bipolar disorder?Schutte MJL, Bohlken MM, Collin G, Abramovic L, Boks MPM, Cahn W,et al.Functional connectome differences in individuals with hallucinations across the psychosis continuum.Sci Rep. 2021 Jan 13;11(1):1108. doi:10.1038/s41598-020-80657-8.National Alliance on Mental Illness.Bipolar disorder.Clemente AS, Diniz BS, Nicolato R, et al.Bipolar disorder prevalence: a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature.Braz J Psychiatry. 2015;37(2):155-161. doi:10.1590/1516-4446-2012-1693Nurnberger JI, Koller DL, Jung J, et al.Identification of pathways for bipolar disorder: a meta-analysis.JAMA Psychiatry. 2014;71(6):657. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2014.176Ghaziuddin M, Ghaziuddin N.Bipolar Disorder and Psychosis in Autism.Psychiatr Clin North Am. 2021 Mar;44(1):1-9. doi:10.1016/j.psc.2020.11.001.Rowland TA, Marwaha S.Epidemiology and risk factors for bipolar disorder.Ther Adv Psychopharmacol. 2018;8(9):251-269. doi:10.1177/2045125318769235Lewis KS, Gordon-Smith K, Forty L, Di Florio A, Craddock N, Jones L,et al.Sleep loss as a trigger of mood episodes in bipolar disorder: individual differences based on diagnostic subtype and gender.Br J Psychiatry. 2017 Sep;211(3):169-174. doi:10.1192/bjp.bp.117.202259.Datto C, Pottorf WJ, Feeley L, LaPorte S, Liss C.Bipolar II compared with bipolar I disorder: baseline characteristics and treatment response to quetiapine in a pooled analysis of five placebo-controlled clinical trials of acute bipolar depression.Ann Gen Psychiatry. 2016;15:9. doi:10.1186/s12991-016-0096-0Food and Drug Administration.Igalmi label.Kato T.Current understanding of bipolar disorder: Toward integration of biological basis and treatment strategies.Psychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2019;73(9):526-540. doi:10.1111/pcn.12852
American Psychiatric Association.What is bipolar disorder?
Schutte MJL, Bohlken MM, Collin G, Abramovic L, Boks MPM, Cahn W,et al.Functional connectome differences in individuals with hallucinations across the psychosis continuum.Sci Rep. 2021 Jan 13;11(1):1108. doi:10.1038/s41598-020-80657-8.
National Alliance on Mental Illness.Bipolar disorder.
Clemente AS, Diniz BS, Nicolato R, et al.Bipolar disorder prevalence: a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature.Braz J Psychiatry. 2015;37(2):155-161. doi:10.1590/1516-4446-2012-1693
Nurnberger JI, Koller DL, Jung J, et al.Identification of pathways for bipolar disorder: a meta-analysis.JAMA Psychiatry. 2014;71(6):657. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2014.176
Ghaziuddin M, Ghaziuddin N.Bipolar Disorder and Psychosis in Autism.Psychiatr Clin North Am. 2021 Mar;44(1):1-9. doi:10.1016/j.psc.2020.11.001.
Rowland TA, Marwaha S.Epidemiology and risk factors for bipolar disorder.Ther Adv Psychopharmacol. 2018;8(9):251-269. doi:10.1177/2045125318769235
Lewis KS, Gordon-Smith K, Forty L, Di Florio A, Craddock N, Jones L,et al.Sleep loss as a trigger of mood episodes in bipolar disorder: individual differences based on diagnostic subtype and gender.Br J Psychiatry. 2017 Sep;211(3):169-174. doi:10.1192/bjp.bp.117.202259.
Datto C, Pottorf WJ, Feeley L, LaPorte S, Liss C.Bipolar II compared with bipolar I disorder: baseline characteristics and treatment response to quetiapine in a pooled analysis of five placebo-controlled clinical trials of acute bipolar depression.Ann Gen Psychiatry. 2016;15:9. doi:10.1186/s12991-016-0096-0
Food and Drug Administration.Igalmi label.
Kato T.Current understanding of bipolar disorder: Toward integration of biological basis and treatment strategies.Psychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2019;73(9):526-540. doi:10.1111/pcn.12852
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