Bipolar I vs. Bipolar II: The Differences

The different names and types of bipolar disorder have changed throughout history. At one point, people referred to bipolar disorder as manic depression or manic-depressive illness. Later, doctors began differentiating between the various types of bipolar: bipolar I, bipolar II, cyclothymia, and rapid cycling bipolar. The simplest definition of bipolar disorder is that it is a mental health disorder that noticeably affects your moods, your level of energy and your activity. 

Miramont Behavioral Health treats bipolar disorder in all its types and severities in Middletown and Waukesha. Most commonly, our patients deal with bipolar I and II. We base our customized bipolar disorder treatments on the individual, their unique experience of symptoms, and scientifically proven therapy and medication options.  

What Does Bipolar I Look Like?

Manic episodes are the clearest indicator of bipolar I. Symptoms of a manic episode must be present for most of the day for at least a full week. Manic symptoms include the following:

• Euphoria, grandiose plans, and high energy and creativity levels
• General delusions, delusions of self-importance, and hallucinations
• Feeling less inhibited and more outspoken, risky, impulsive, angry, aggressive, or sexual
• Decreased appetite, weight loss, decreased need for sleep
• Racing thoughts and speech; talking over people
• Poor decision-making, concentration, and impatience 

These symptoms are intense and may lead to violence, accidents, substance abuse, and hospitalizations. 

One younger man from the West Coast described his manic episodes as feeling god-like. He experienced soaring energy levels, creativity peaks, huge bursts of sexual activity and energy, constant bar fights, incessant talking, and feelings of extreme happiness.

While this was incredibly enjoyable for him—almost like a perk of the disorder—he admitted that it can be a terrible and confusing experience for his loved ones. He also acknowledged that he actively puts himself in dangerous situations during manic episodes.

After a manic episode runs its course, many people with bipolar I experience a low point that feels like a temporary yet deep depression. During the depressive period, symptoms swing to an extreme opposite of mania:

• Extreme sadness, hopelessness, low self-esteem, guilt, and emotional withdrawal
• A sudden loss of interest in people, places, or things that the person loves
• Increased need for sleep and feelings of exhaustion and lethargy
• Concentration problems, slow bodily movements, and suicidal thoughts and feelings 

What many people who don’t have bipolar fail to see is that it’s possible to experience a third, stable mood period when you have type I. This is the portion of time when the person is neither manic nor depressed, but rather lucid and balanced. 

What Is Bipolar II Like?

Many people tend to think that bipolar II is a calmer version of bipolar I, with the manic and depressive episodes being more manageable and less extreme. In reality, bipolar II still causes people to lurch from a neutral or positive mood to a negative, depressive mood. 

The manic phase of bipolar II is less intense, and is referred to as hypomania. Unfortunately, the depression phase of the disorder can be as bad if not worse than bipolar II. This means that people with type II typically never feel the absolute high of bipolar disorder I, but rather the lowest of lows. Still, there are some positive ways to think about a bipolar II diagnosis: 

• Rarely does bipolar II cause hospitalizations
• There may be less impulsivity or poor-decision making present during hypomanic episodes
• Treatment may not include antipsychotic medications, which can lessen the occurrence of adverse prescription side effects

Receive Treatment For Bipolar I and II in Wisconsin Today

No matter what type of bipolar disorder you or a loved one might have, we know how to support you. We also want to make it clear that with treatment, people with bipolar can still be excellent parents, friends, pet owners, partners, and professionals. Science, your community, and Miramont are behind you.

Whether it be Waukesha-based outpatient services or our short-term hospitalization program in Middleton, we’re here to provide what works best. We will help you find a program that’s perfect for your needs.

If you suspect that you have bipolar or that a friend or family member struggles with undiagnosed type I or II, contact us today. We’re happy to schedule an appointment with you.