What is the Difference Between a Bipolar I and Bipolar II Diagnosis?
It’s surprising to learn that many people who have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder (or their loved ones who have been diagnosed) aren’t sure which bipolar diagnoses they have. There are are several kinds of bipolar disorder. The two most frequent types are Bipolar I (BPI) and bipolar II (BPII). So what are the differences between a diagnosis of bipolar I and bipolar II disorders?
With both disorders a person must have experienced at least one major depressive episode lasting two weeks or longer. The distinction comes into play when talking about the mania that is also experienced.
For those with bipolar I (BPI) the manic episode can be quite extreme with the elevated mood reaching a distinct intensity not experienced by those with bipolar II (BPII). Of then the intensity of the manic episode is disabling causing difficulty in maintaining work, school or relationships while in the manic mood. Hospitalization is often required.
For those whose manic episodes don’t reach that level of intensity, don’t disrupt work, personal relationships or school, a diagnosis of bipolar II (BPII) is usually the case.
Now this isn’t to say that having a diagnosis of bipolar II is better than bipolar I. Many times, though not always, a person who has bipolar II can progress to bipolar I (BPI) but it is not a certainty. With care, choosing a healthy lifestyle that includes exercise, refraining from psychoactive drug use and learning stress relief techniques an individual with bipolar II (BPII) can control their disorder. In fact the longer one goes without a full blown manic episode after diagnosis the less likely it is that they will progress to bipolar I.
Even if you have been diagnosed with bipolar I (BPI) that doesn’t mean you will be disabled. While 1/3 of those who have been diagnosed with bipolar I (BPI) do require repeated hospitalizations and have a relatively unstable lifestyle there are still 2/3 who have bipolar I (BPI) and deal with their disorder quite well.
This isn’t to say that being diagnosed with either bipolar disorder is a walk in the park. Both are difficult disorders to navigate and both require vigilance and treatment. Denial of the disease only makes the symptoms worse for those experiencing the disease and those who love them. But, with proper treatment, medication and support a diagnosis of bipolar disorder can be liveable.
If you have been diagnosed with Bipolar I or II and are interested in learning more about treatment options in the greater Chicago area please contact Locus Therapy.
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