Understanding the differences between bipolar disorders I & II. - Reforming Trauma Coaching & Counselling. (2024)

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Understanding the differences between bipolar disorders I & II. - Reforming Trauma Coaching & Counselling.? ›

The main difference between bipolar I and II is the severity of symptoms. People with bipolar I disorder experience more severe highs (mania) and may not have depressive episodes. While people with bipolar II experience a less severe high (hypomania

Bipolar II disorder is not a milder form of bipolar I disorder, but a separate diagnosis. While the manic episodes of bipolar I disorder can be severe and dangerous, individuals with bipolar II disorder can be depressed for longer periods, which can cause significant impairment.

People with bipolar I have had at least one manic episode, which may be very severe and require hospital care. People with bipolar II normally have a major depressive episode that lasts at least two weeks along with hypomania, a mania that is mild to moderate and does not normally require hospital care.

Bipolar disorder is easily confused with depression because it can include depressive episodes. The main difference between the two is that depression is unipolar, meaning that there is no “up” period, but bipolar disorder includes symptoms of mania.

PTSD is an anxiety disorder in people who have experienced a shocking or dangerous event. It involves flashbacks and recurring memories of the event, along with distressing thoughts and physical signs of stress. In contrast, BD involves marked shifts in a person's activity, mood, energy, and concentration.

The main difference between bipolar I and II is the severity of symptoms. People with bipolar I disorder experience more severe highs (mania) and may not have depressive episodes. While people with bipolar II experience a less severe high (hypomania), their diagnosis includes depressive episodes.

Bipolar II, however, is often more easily managed than bipolar I, though both require adherence to therapy, medication management, and lifestyle changes. Manic episodes associated with bipolar I may lead to severe psychiatric symptoms, including paranoia, delusions, and hallucinations.

Major depression

A common misdiagnosis for bipolar disorder is major depressive disorder (MDD). This is likely because the symptoms of bipolar disorder are similar to those of MDD. At least half of people with bipolar disorder first experience a depressive episode. These episodes last longer than manic episodes.

Without treatment, the condition usually becomes more severe. Signs of untreated manic episodes include insomnia, speaking more quickly than usual, and feelings of euphoria. Symptoms of untreated depression include indecisiveness, feelings of hopelessness, and thoughts of suicide.

The present case describes a patient who eventually converted from BD-II to BD-I after two decades of illness onset. Birmaher et al., in two separate longitudinal studies on childhood-onset BD-II (mean follow-up for 2–4 years), have reported nearly 20%–25% progression to more severe bipolar-I.

What is 1 commonality and 1 difference between bipolar disorder and major depressive disorders? ›

Whether you live with bipolar disorder or major depressive disorder, you experience periods of depression. This can make it hard to tell them apart. But the bi- in bipolar means “two” because it has two phases: mania and depression. Major depressive disorder only has one phase: depression.

Types of bipolar disorder

Bipolar 1 disorder can cause you to alternate between depressive and manic episodes. If you have bipolar 2 disorder, it means you've had at least one bout of major depression and one episode of hypomania, which is a milder form of mania.

The main difference concerns the duration of symptoms. PDD symptoms last for at least 2 years, in adults, while people with MDD experience depressive episodes that are separated by at least 2 months. Genetic, social, and physical factors cause PDD and MDD.

Childhood trauma

Some experts believe that experiencing a lot of emotional distress as a child can cause bipolar disorder to develop. This could be because childhood trauma and distress can have a big effect on your ability to manage your emotions. This can include experiences like: Neglect.

People who talk excessively are labeled “compulsive talkers” and “oversharers.” Garrulousness could be a personality trait, but sometimes, talking a lot can stem from health conditions such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, generalized anxiety disorder and bipolar disorder.

Similarities: PTSD vs Bipolar Disorder

It can be difficult for someone who isn't a clinician to differentiate between PTSD vs. bipolar disorder, because these disorders can share certain symptoms, such as the following: Dramatic mood swings. Reckless, impulsive behaviors.

The bottom line

Bipolar 1 and bipolar 2 can look very similar. But there's one key difference: People with bipolar 1 have at least one episode of mania in their lifetime, and people with bipolar 2 don't.

The present case describes a patient who eventually converted from BD-II to BD-I after two decades of illness onset. Birmaher et al., in two separate longitudinal studies on childhood-onset BD-II (mean follow-up for 2–4 years), have reported nearly 20%–25% progression to more severe bipolar-I.