Understanding Bipolar 2 disorder: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

What is it?

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is a chronic psychiatric disease marked by extreme mood shifts. Patients experience hypomanic episodes – periods of "pathologically elevated" mood, but not full-blown mania, and may also experience episodes of depression. A person who is diagnosed with bipolar 2 disorder has had at least one episode of hypomania.

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Signs & symptoms

Hypomanic episodes may include:
- Euphoric or energetic emotional state.
- Diminished need for sleep.
- Rapid and loud speech.
-Flight of ideas

Episodes of depression may include:
- Lack of energy.
- A feeling of deep sadness.
- Loss of the ability to feel pleasure or enjoy activities that the patients enjoyed before.
- Suicidal thoughts.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is made via a psychiatric assessment, conducted by a psychiatrist – a medical doctor specializing in psychiatry. This assessment includes questioning, physical exams, cognitive exams, and other tests that might exclude other diseases or conditions.

Treatment

Treatment for bipolar 2 disorder includes mood-stabilizing medications and antipsychotic medications. Psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, can help to cope and manage the disease and improve quality of life.

☝️ This is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your physician before making any medical decision.

Learn more about our editorial process for content accuracy.

Source of Information - We analyze big data of more than 23 million patients de-identified medical records from the following sources:

National Institution of Health ∙ World Health Organization ∙ University of Illinois hospital