Bipolar II Disorder
Bipolar and Bipolar 2 are similar because they are considered mental disorders, and that they both lead moods to change. However, there are quite a few differences between the conditions, and the treatment of them is different as well. Understanding bipolar symptoms and treatments is key to overcoming both of these disorders.
For some, Bipolar 2 does not lead to a complete interruption in their life, as the elevated mood, or hypomanic episode, is not as extreme as in people with standard Bipolar disorder. Episodes of depression are also associated with this condition, although they may be momentary. Both types of Bipolar disorder require treatment, as symptoms can get worse over time. Left untreated, perilous behaviors and hospitalizations are a real possibility.
It is estimated that six million individuals in the USA alone suffer from some type of Bipolar disorder. Research shows that the initial signs start to appear at some point between the teen years, up to the start of the 20′s. This does not apply to everyone, however few patients over the age of fifty develop a bipolar disorder. No individual is resistant to developing this condition, and no one is thoroughly sure what causes it. There has, however, been evidence to show that certain conditions might be genetic. Meaning, individuals with family members that suffer from either Bipolar or Bipolar 2 retain a larger probability of developing these disorders.
Hypomanic episodes to some extent appear like the symptoms of ADHD, including fast speech, loud speech, intensified energy and a lack of concentration being common. Other symptoms include being over-confident, extremely optimistic, and quite hazardous in behavior. Seeing that these episodes can go on for months, it can be difficult to know whether this is no more than a person’s personality, or some type of disorder. Once an episode of hypomania ends, depression routinely follows it. Though it may not be instantly, this is the normal cycle of symptoms associated with Bipolar 2. Both symptoms need some type of treatment to prevent them from becoming too extreme.
Left untreated, this illness may turn into true mania. Therefore, medication is generally required. For hypomania, mood stabilizers, such as lithium, Depakote, or Lamictal are generally prescribed. Anti-psychotics can be another option, with Risperdal and Abilify being some of the most prevalent. Furthermore, tranquilizers such as Xanax and Valium are frequently prescribed. Anti-depressants may also be required in order to fight bouts of depression. Paxil, Zoloft, and Prozac are among the leading choices for treating not only Bipolar associated depression, but additional types of depression also. After experiencing months of hypomania, sufferers can fall into deep depression. Bipolar 2 depression is not difficult to discern if you have been around a person that has been on a hypomanic episode for months.
Considering little is known about the causes of Bipolar 2 and it is not possible to prevent it. It may, however, be controlled successfully through a combination of medication and therapy. Many that use the combination of both of these treatments find that their symptoms contract over time.
If you are looking for more information about Bipolar 2 Disorder, visit the author’s blog and learn more about Types of Bipolar Disorders.