While we primarily treat bipolar II disorder at Brightside, our providers can also treat stable bipolar I disorder absent acute mania. If you are undiagnosed, our providers can recommend the right level of care for you.
What is bipolar II disorder?
Bipolar II disorder is a mood disorder that can cause shifts in your mood, energy, and concentration. It may also affect your day-to-day life. Bipolar II involves a pattern of hypomanic (feeling energized, elated, or irritable) episodes that last at least four days and depressive (feeling down, sad, or hopeless) episodes that last for weeks. These periods don’t last as long as they do in bipolar 1—manic episodes are usually less severe and lack the presence of psychotic symptoms.
If you’ve been diagnosed with bipolar II disorder, or think you might be experiencing symptoms, Brightside Health providers can help. With personalized mental health care, you can get started with the right treatment for your needs.
Symptoms of bipolar:
Manic and hypomanic episodes can include various combinations of the symptoms below:
- Feeling energetic, elated, irritable, or jumpy
- Decreased appetite or need for sleep
- Racing thoughts that can result in increased talkativeness
- Willingness to take excessive risks that may have painful consequences
- Increased distractibility
Depressive symptoms include:
- Feeling down, sad, empty, or hopeless
- Trouble concentrating, sleeping, or eating
- Feeling unable to make decisions or lacking the energy to do things that previously felt easy
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities
- Thoughts about death or suicide
Proper treatment can help people with bipolar disorder lead healthy lives.