Bipolar 2 Disorder
Wednesday May 13, 2009
According to the definition in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV), bipolar II disorder (also known as bipolar 2 disorder or bipolar type 2) is "characterized by one or more Major Depressive Episodes accompanied by at least one Hypomanic Episode." The key difference between bipolar 1 and bipolar 2 is that bipolar 2 has hypomanic but not manic episodes. Here are some further details about the symptoms of bipolar 2 disorder.
In our Forums we also have a folder dedicated to discussions on this type of bipolar disorder. It is called Bipolar 2 & the Mood Spectrum. Here you can discuss hypomania or the specifics of how you were diagnosed with this bipolar 2 disorder.
Ebeth is the host for this discussion area. She shares, “As is not uncommon with bipolar disorder, my manias did not emerge until I was in my early 20s. They were relatively mild, and everyone thought it was a quirk of my personality. Finally as the depressions got worse, I was diagnosed with BPII rapid cycling, mixed states, with depressive delusions and a few autistic characteristics.”
Comments
My doc said I was Bipolar II and after reading tons of articles on it, it’s still a little vague for me. There’s nothing solid that says “you have bipolar II”. It’s a range of characteristics that point towards bipolar II. I would be more convinced if there was a blood test or something that would make that determination. In any event, I’m now looking into different types of medicines that would help me. All the suggested medicines have some type of side effect that I’m not willing to experience. For example, Symbyax (combination of Zyprexa and Prozac) was given to me once. It made me gain a lot of weight. Who wants to gain massive amounts of weight just to feel better? I ended up getting depressed over weight gain!
For now, I’m just taking Prozac but from what I’ve heard and read, eventually it will stop working. Symbyax worked up until I stop taking it because of the weight gain. (later found out it was the Zyprexa doing this).
If anyone has a suggestion on what would work or a combination of, let me know. I would appreciate it. cecilialuna@hotmail.com
Hi Cecelia,
There are many folks with BP II that post on the forum and I have not noticed a particular med or set of meds that targets this spectrum of the disorder. That’s the bad news. However the good news is that there are many solutions! Apparently it depends more on the individual than it depends on whether you have bipolar one or two. So you’ll probably just have to try things out to see what works for you.
I have been on a combination of Lamictal and pristique and it works very well most of the time. I have had to switch the anti depressant a few times but the lamictal has been a constant. I have been on just about every mood stabilizer and for me, this has been the most effective. I hope this helps.
A few years ago I was diagnosed with Hypomania (Bipolar 2)after showing symptoms of sleep deprivation, racing thoughts and pressured speech. I was given Valium to help me sleep then later Zoloft. Three months later I was hospitalized and re-diagnosed with Bipolar 1 as my symptoms quickly deteriorated to mania and psychosis.I am now medicated on Lithium and I have recovered.
I was diagnosed as bi-polar 2 way long ago. With the help of drugs ( so many I can’t count) I was able to be stabilized. I still go through major depression and because of that I lost most of my family. I don’t fault them in the lest, after all how many times can you take your father/husband to the hospital? Now I live alone and being responsible for myself has helped. just think, if I died the only ones who would know would be my dog and cat. That very thought keeps me from dieing. I know that sounds sad but at times you grab onto what ever you can.
About manic, well I’ve never felt better, I’ve started relationships, jobs, spending, and it all falls in. Try to explain it to someone who loves you and finds out your really not there! So I sit back and don’t take chances. Basically how do you have a relationship when you are not sure of what the reality you are dealing with?
William, I can relate. I have lost everything to this disease that I can’t seem to get under control. I went out and bought a dog so I would have a reason to get up in the morning. The dog provides me with responsibility.