What is the differance between bipolar 1 & 2 ???????

Question

I have bipolar disorder and my doctors have never mentioned if it was 1 or 2, whats the differance ?

Answer 1

the first answer is good.. :)
bipolar 2 is a less dibilatation form ... with a diminshed manic state..
with bipolar 2 most people have no occurence of a psychotic attribute.. there is typically no hearing voices or hallucinations or disillusionment or feelings as if their mind has a need to take on the higher purposes of thinking they may be someone far superior to reality.. like God or Einstein..
However they have the lesser afflictions that are typical of being bipolar.. the racing thoughts and flight of mind type of symptoms ...
I am sure you are familiar with these if you have already een diagnosed.
the big difference is that mainc (up) episodes in bipolar 1 are very extreme as compared to bipolar 2.. but depression (down) is somewhat equal.
please see these 2 links for more information on the subject..
1.) http://www.a-silver-lining.org/bpndepth/...
2.) http://www.mental-health-today.com/bp/ds...
the first explains the process for diagnoses.
the second applies to mood disorders
Hope this helps ya out

Answer 2

Bipolar II Disorder involves at least one depressive episode and one hypomanic episode, but there has never been a manic or mixed episode.
A hypomanic episode is very similar to a manic episode.
A manic episode lasts at least 1 week. A hypomanic episode lasts at least 4 days.
A manic episode is severe enough to cause marked impairment in occupational functioning or in usual social activities or relationships with others. It may be necessary to hospitalize the person to prevent harm to self or others. There may be psychotic features.
A hypomanic episode is associated with an unequivocal change in functioning that is uncharacteristic of the person and causes an observable change in functioning. The episode is not severe enough to cause marked impairment in social or occupational functioning. It usually does not require hospitalization and there are no psychotic features.
However, if a person with Bipolar II is currently experiencing a major depressive episode, there may be psychotic features.

Answer 3

http://bipolar.about.com/cs/faqs/f/faq_bp2.htm

Essentially BP II has hypomanic episodes while BP I has manic episodes. Pl check out the above site.