Bipolar 1 versus Bipolar 2: Know the Differences

There are several types of bipolar disorder, and these include bipolar I, bipolar 2, cyclothymic disorder, other specified bipolar, rapid cycling, with psychotic features, with mixed features, and with anxious distress. Many people are curious as to the differences between Bipolar 1 and Bipolar 2.

Bipolar 1

This type of manic depressive disorder is a mental illness in which the individual is known to have at least one manic episode in their lifetime. Mania is described as a period of time in which the person felt extreme high energy, an elevated mood, and is also accompanied by unusual behavior that disrupted their life in some way.

Many people with bipolar I disorder suffer from episodes of depression, as well. And this is what gave rise to the term, ‘Manic depression’ because bipolar disorder is a mental illness in which both mania and depression are experienced. Most everyone is susceptible to developing bipolar disorder; however, a genetic predisposition makes the risk even higher. Usually, people who will develop bipolar 1 have it before the age of 50.

Symptoms of bipolar 1 disorder include an increase in energy with hyperactivity and a decreased need for sleep, rapid thoughts and speech, over-inflated self-image, excessive spending, and hyper-sexuality.

Bipolar 2

This type of manic depressive disorder is similar to bipolar 1; the exception is that an individual suffering from bipolar 2 reaches what is called “hypo-mania” as opposed to a full blown “manic” episode. Hypo-mania is a feeling of euphoria and high energy; however, it likely does not interrupt the individual’s life in a severe way.

People with bipolar 2 also suffer from depression, so they are cycling between hypo-manic episodes and depression, with typical normal lives in between these episodes. As with bipolar 1, people who develop bipolar 2 often do so before the age of 50. Symptoms are the same as with bipolar 1, the main exception being that hypo-manic episodes are not as life-altering. They can, however, lead to full blown manic episodes that can affect an individual’s ability to function.

BPHope.com is an online magazine that is dedicated to helping people with bipolar disorder. If you would like to read articles about bipolar 1 and bipolar 2, visit the site today for a wealth of information provided by professionals in the medical field, as well as by contributors who live with the daily struggles of the disease.

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