Bipolar I
In Bipolar I disorder, an individual has experienced one or more manic episodes with or without major depressive episodes. For a diagnosis of Bipolar I disorder according to the DSM-IV-TR, there requires one or more manic or mixed episodes. A depressive episode is not required for the diagnosis of Bipolar I disorder but it frequently occurs.


Bipolar II
Bipolar II disorder is characterized by hypomanic episodes as well as at least one major depressive episode. Hypomanic episodes do not go to the extremes of mania (i.e. do not cause social or occupational impairment, and without psychotic features), and a history of at least one major depressive episode. Bipolar II is much more difficult to diagnose, since the hypomanic episodes may simply appear as a period of successful high productivity and is reported less frequently than a distressing depression. Psychosis can occur in manic and major depressive episodes, but not in hypomania. For both disorders, there are a number of specifiers that indicate the presentation and course of the disorder, including "chronic", "rapid cycling", "catatonic" and "melancholic". Bipolar II, which occurs more frequently is usually characterized by at least one episode of hypomania and at least one depression.

Bipolar I
An onset before the age of 30 usually results in frequent, severe episodes. Psychosis is more common in this group and symptoms tend to linger between episodes. An onset after the age of 40 has a better prognosis. Generally, short episodes, late onset, the absence of other medical or psychiatric conditions, and early treatment have a better prognosis.

Most people are symptom free for months or even years between episodes of depression and mania. Approximately 25% of people never fully recover from an episode. Nearly 33% of people have great difficulty functioning at work and in social settings.

Three-fourths of manic episodes occur before or right after a major depressive episode. After the first manic episode, there's a 90% chance that a second one will occur. Typically, a greater number of manic episodes are experienced over a lifetime. Approximately 40% of people with bipolar disorder have an average of one episode every 2 1/2 years, or four in every 10 years.

Bipolar II
People with bipolar II disorder experience major depressive episodes that alternate withhypomania (milder manic episodes). During hypomanic episodes, patients may become more productive or noticeably goal driven, but their ability to function well in their normal daily activities is not impaired.

Bipolar 1 is the most severe form. Almost every bipolar 1 patient goes into hypomania, which can develop into full mania. Someone with hypomania would tend to have very high energy, become more productive at work, have some trouble with overspending, but they would not reach the point of being hospitalized. How you might feel in a hypomanic phase is like hitting the lottery or winning a prize. But in hypomania, the euphoria tends to feel artificial to the patients.

Full mania is much worse and not pleasant at all - it's more than a cocaine high. When manic, people are often psychotic and are really disabled by the illness. They may need to be hospitalized against their will. They may have trouble with the police.

LOL!!! LOU BABY!

Thanks Luv n hope. Not that i think it's a big deal 1 or 2, but its nice to know. Also, I love the angel kenny icon.

yeah, snap Luv x

thought it was fairly informative description I pasted.

We had a big discussion about BP 1 & 2 earlier. It's good to be informed!
Ah yes, Kenny. Those bastards killed him yet again! :)

Generally speaking, BP I is more severe than BP II. That is basically the difference...and most of the time, severe major depression is experienced as well as the mania. That is what puts the "bi" in bipolar disorder.

Yes, Lou - I liked yours. Interesting how some sites focus more on one than the other. I was surprised how the first one I pasted didn't discuss the possibility of psychosis. I would think that would be discussed in any definition of BP1!

Bp1 has psychosis/mania etc

It's all BS. You are as good a judge of BP1 and BP2 as anyone else, I promise you!
Love,
Eve

Another example of shrinks not knowing half of what they think they know.

I disagree...Think mania is quite distinguishable from hypomania.

And I am guessing that my involentary commital after I was found wandering the park after seven days of doing everything yet nothing, and the previous times when I avoided commital but twice ended up in the hospital (exposure, injury) suggerts #1 for me. But I gotta say, Lou the under 30 bad prognosis freaks me out a tad.

I know, I was 17 when had first psychotic break....also the bit where it says 25% never recover from an episode. (!!!)