Post by Mel on Jul 7, 2006 6:58:02 GMT -5
What is Bipolar II Disorder?
From Kimberly Read & Marcia Purse,
Your Guide to Bipolar Disorder.
FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now!
A. According to the official US definition as outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders published by the American Psychiatric Association, Bipolar II Disorder is "characterized by one or more Major Depressive Episodes accompanied by at least one Hypomanic Episode." The key difference between Bipolar I and Bipolar II is that Bipolar II has hypomanic but not manic episodes. Also, while those with Bipolar I disorder may experience additional psychotic symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations, Bipolar II by definition cannot have psychotic features.
The indicators which would lead to a diagnosis of Bipolar II Disorder are:
One or more Major Depressive Episodes
At least one Hypomanic Episode
There has never been a Manic or Mixed Episode
Another disorder is not responsible for symptoms
Symptoms cause distress or impair functioning
Symptoms and characteristics of depression include:
Decreased energy
Weight loss or gain
Despair
Irritability
Uncontrollable crying
Symptoms and characteristics of hypomania include:
Grandiosity
Decreased need for sleep
Pressured speech
Racing thoughts
Distractibility
Tendency to engage in behavior that could have serious consequences, such as spending recklessly or inappropriate sexual encounters
Excess energy
It should be noted that the symptoms of hypomania are the same as for mania, but they are less severe. Therefore, the diagnostic criteria differentiating this diagnosis from that of Bipolar I Disorder is that hypomania does not cause marked impairment of functioning or require hospitalization.
by Kimberly Read
From Kimberly Read & Marcia Purse,
Your Guide to Bipolar Disorder.
FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now!
A. According to the official US definition as outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders published by the American Psychiatric Association, Bipolar II Disorder is "characterized by one or more Major Depressive Episodes accompanied by at least one Hypomanic Episode." The key difference between Bipolar I and Bipolar II is that Bipolar II has hypomanic but not manic episodes. Also, while those with Bipolar I disorder may experience additional psychotic symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations, Bipolar II by definition cannot have psychotic features.
The indicators which would lead to a diagnosis of Bipolar II Disorder are:
One or more Major Depressive Episodes
At least one Hypomanic Episode
There has never been a Manic or Mixed Episode
Another disorder is not responsible for symptoms
Symptoms cause distress or impair functioning
Symptoms and characteristics of depression include:
Decreased energy
Weight loss or gain
Despair
Irritability
Uncontrollable crying
Symptoms and characteristics of hypomania include:
Grandiosity
Decreased need for sleep
Pressured speech
Racing thoughts
Distractibility
Tendency to engage in behavior that could have serious consequences, such as spending recklessly or inappropriate sexual encounters
Excess energy
It should be noted that the symptoms of hypomania are the same as for mania, but they are less severe. Therefore, the diagnostic criteria differentiating this diagnosis from that of Bipolar I Disorder is that hypomania does not cause marked impairment of functioning or require hospitalization.
by Kimberly Read