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.
