Bipolar Disorder Symptoms and Diagnosis What's the Difference Between Bipolar I and Bipolar II Disorder? And is There a Bipolar III? By Amy Marschall, PsyD Amy Marschall, PsyD Dr. Amy Marschall is an autistic clinical psychologist with ADHD, working with children and adolescents who also identify with these neurotypes among others. She is certified in TF-CBT and telemental health. Learn about our editorial process Updated on September 29, 2024 Medically reviewed Verywell Mind articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and mental healthcare professionals. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Daniel B. Block, MD Medically reviewed by Daniel B. Block, MD Daniel B. Block, MD, is an award-winning, board-certified psychiatrist who operates a private practice in Pennsylvania. 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Learn about our editorial process Print Jasmin Merdan / Getty Images Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Understanding Bipolar I vs. Bipolar II Disorder Depressive Symptoms and Bipolar Disorder Treatment for Bipolar Disorders Cyclothymic Disorder Coping With Bipolar Disorder Final Thoughts Trending Videos Close this video player Bipolar disorder is marked by periods of extreme mood swings, including manic or hypomanic episodes, and often involves periods of depression. Although having a parent or sibling with bipolar disorder does not guarantee that someone will develop these symptoms, there is a strong genetic component to this diagnosis. Bipolar disorder is a treatable condition, and some therapies and medications can reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. However, being diagnosed with bipolar disorder can be scary and confusing. Understanding the different types can help in determining the best treatment path for you. This article covers the differences between bipolar I and bipolar II disorder and discusses the treatment options available for each. Understanding Bipolar I vs. Bipolar II Disorder Let's take a look at some of the major differences between bipolar I and bipolar II disorder. While each can be debilitating, they have unique symptoms. More details about these symptoms are explained further in this article. Bipolar I Disorder Includes a history of at least one full manic episode Is often associated with a depressive episode, but not always May include psychotic features in the context of mood episodes Bipolar II Disorder Includes a history of at least one hypomanic episode and no history of full manic episodes Is always associated with a depressive episode Psychosis is absent What Is Bipolar I Disorder? According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR), for someone to be diagnosed with bipolar I disorder, they must have a history of at least one manic episode. A manic episode consists of a period of at least one week and involves three or more of the following symptoms: Inflated self-esteem or grandiosity Reduced need for sleep, feeling rested after a few hours More talkative than usual or pressured speech Racing thoughts or flight of ideas Increased distractibility Agitated, restless movement or increased goal-directed activity Engaging in risky activities, including physically dangerous choices, impulsive buying sprees, or unsafe sexual behavior The episode must cause significant impairment in daily functioning and might require hospitalization due to unsafe behavior or psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations or delusions. According to the DSM-5-TR, for a diagnosis of bipolar I to be made, a person must have at least one manic episode that isn't better explained by schizoaffective disorder. In addition, the manic episode must not be superimposed on schizophrenia, schizophreniform disorder, delusional disorder, or other specified or unspecified schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders. What Is Bipolar II Disorder? Bipolar II disorder is associated with a major depressive episode as well as at least one hypomanic episode. According to the DSM-5-TR, a hypomanic episode consists of three or more symptoms of a manic episode lasting at least four consecutive days. A hypomanic episode is less severe than a manic episode in that its duration is shorter. Hypomanic episodes do not include psychotic symptoms such as delusions or hallucinations. In order for a diagnosis of bipolar II to be made, a person's hypomanic and depressive episodes cannot be better explained by schizoaffective disorder. In addition, the episodes must not be superimposed on schizophrenia, schizophreniform disorder, delusional disorder, or other specified or unspecified schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders. A hypomanic episode is generally less intense and causes less impairment than a manic episode. However, both bipolar I and bipolar II cause difficulty with functioning. Both conditions are treatable and have options for evidence-based interventions. Depressive Symptoms and Bipolar Disorder Although most individuals with a bipolar disorder diagnosis experience depressive symptoms, a history of major depressive episodes is not necessary to diagnose bipolar I disorder if an individual has experienced a full manic episode. On the other hand, a diagnosis of bipolar II disorder requires a history of at least one depressive episode. A major depressive episode consists of five or more symptoms lasting two weeks or longer, including either depressed mood or loss of interest: Daily or nearly daily depressed mood lasting most of the day Lowered or absent interest in activities Significant weight loss or decreased appetite Either difficulty sleeping or increased need for sleep Physical restlessness Fatigue or low energy nearly every day Feelings of worthlessness or guilt Difficulty concentrating or indecisiveness Thoughts of death or suicidal ideation If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911. For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database. Treatment for Bipolar Disorders Both bipolar I and bipolar II disorders are marked by extreme highs and lows. You and a treatment team can work together to create a treatment plan that fits your unique needs. What is Rapid Cycling? Typically, individuals with bipolar disorder will experience one to two episodes per year, but those who experience “rapid cycling” will have four or more episodes in a twelve-month period. Although there are some differences in recommendations for bipolar I and bipolar II disorder, recommendations are similar for the two diagnoses. Treatment options include: Medication: The manic symptoms of bipolar I and hypomanic symptoms of bipolar II are treated with a class of medication called mood stabilizers. Because the use of antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may induce hypomania in bipolar individuals, they are only prescribed once a person is on an effective, stable dose of a mood stabilizer. In addition, those with bipolar I disorder with psychotic symptoms might require antipsychotic medication. It is common for a physician to prescribe multiple medications to treat the different symptoms of bipolar disorder. Hospitalization: Both manic and depressive episodes can trigger suicidal ideation or behavior. Hospitalization might be necessary to stabilize medications or keep someone safe while they are in a suicidal crisis. Pyschotherapy: Individual or group therapy services can help people with bipolar disorder learn skills to cope with their mood symptoms, improve their interpersonal interactions, and understand their experience of the disorder better. Evidence-based therapy treatments for bipolar disorder include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPRST). Maintenance and relapse prevention: Bipolar disorder requires long-term treatment. Even once mood symptoms have stabilized, ongoing treatment is essential to prevent relapse. There is evidence that manic episodes damage the gray matter in the brain, destroying brain cells and affecting the temporal lobe and cerebellum (the parts of the brain associated with auditory processing, memory, and coordination). It is essential that clients bring any concerns related to ongoing medication or therapy to a treatment team and not change or stop a medication without supervision from the prescribing physician. Recap Therapy is most productive when the client is not undergoing an immediate crisis. Therapy services provided when an individual is stable are important for long-term improvement. Consistent medication management can reduce the risk of future manic, hypomanic, or depressive episodes. Cyclothymic Disorder In addition to bipolar I and bipolar II disorders, cyclothymic disorder can consist of hypomanic and depressive symptoms. Colloquially, cyclothymic disorder is sometimes referred to as “bipolar III disorder,” but bipolar III isn't an official diagnosis. Cyclothymic disorder consists of ongoing hypomanic and depressive symptoms that last at least two years but do not meet the full diagnostic criteria for a hypomanic or major depressive episode. An individual might have some depressive symptoms, such as low mood or loss of interest in activities, but the symptoms do not meet the diagnostic criteria for a major depressive episode.An individual may experience hypomanic symptoms, such as racing thoughts or decreased need for sleep, but they do not experience a full hypomanic episode. Coping With Bipolar Disorder Being in tune with your feelings and recognizing if symptoms are increasing is an important part of living with bipolar disorder. Noticing that an episode might be coming, managing stress levels, and identifying and avoiding things that trigger episodes can help manage symptoms and maintain stability. Triggers may include things like excess stress, not getting enough sleep, lacking routine, drinking alcohol or using other substances, and being in loud, chaotic environments. Changing medications and certain neurotherapies can trigger manic episodes as well. Having a treatment team made up of professionals that you trust is important for managing symptoms. Open, honest communication about your symptoms and stressors is an essential part of treatment. Final Thoughts There are many stigmas that people with bipolar I and bipolar II disorder face. But stigmas are often the result of a lack of knowledge on a particular subject. Both bipolar I and bipolar II are highly treatable. Individuals with these disorders can receive effective treatment, stabilize, and lead fulfilling lives. What to Know About Coming Out of a Manic Episode 12 Sources Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. 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Preventive effects of lamotrigine in bipolar II versus bipolar I disorder. J Clin Psychiatry. 2017;78(8). doi:10.4088/JCP.16m11404 Van Meter AR, Youngstrom EA, Findling RL. Cyclothymic disorder: A critical review. Clinical Psychology Review. 2012;32(4):229-243. doi:10.1016/j.cpr.2012.02.001 Hawke LD, Parikh SV, Michalak EE. Stigma and bipolar disorder: A review of the literature. J Affect Disord. 2013;150(2):181-191. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2013.05.030 By Amy Marschall, PsyD Dr. Amy Marschall is an autistic clinical psychologist with ADHD, working with children and adolescents who also identify with these neurotypes among others. She is certified in TF-CBT and telemental health. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Helpful Report an Error Other Submit