bi-polar, differences between the two?

Question

What is the differance between bipolar 1 and bipolar 2?

Answer 1

According to the DSM-IV definitions, the differences are:

Bipolar 1, at least one manic or mixed episode (major depressive episode not needed)
Bipolar 2, at least one hypomanic episode
Cyclothymia, repeated hypomanic episodes and depression not meeting the criteria for major depression
Bipolar NOS (not otherwise specified), anything that can't be pigeonholed into the above categories.

There are some softer criteria: Bipolar 1 typically has one or more mood episodes (mania or depression) in a year, Bipolar 2 has four or more episodes a year. Rapid Cycling Bipolar 2 can have episodes lasting weeks, and Ultra Rapid Cycling can involve episodes lasting days.

Sadly, people do not tend to be so easily pigeonholed. I have had psychotic symptoms that indicate full mania, but I cycle too fast for Bipolar 1 (in fact I am ultra rapid cycling). I suppose I should be lumped in Bipolar NOS, but I'm pegged as Bipolar 2 with psychotic symptoms. Go figure.

Current thinking (and we may see some of this in DSM-V when it appears) is that Bipolar Disorder is a spectrum disorder, and you can sort of pick 'n' mix symptoms. At the end of the day, the DSM definitions are really there to allow the insurance companies to decide what to pay out on. Clinical practice is that everyone is different and the prescribing of drugs is hit and miss, but you'll get there eventually.

Interestingly, there seem to be some biological differences, inasmuch as Bipolar 1 seems to respond better to Lithium than Bipolar 2, while Bipolar 2 tends to be treated first with anti-convulsants and anti-psychotics.

Answer 2

The only difference is the severity of the manic episode. Bipolar I has full manic episodes. This means mania that causes significant impairment in social and/or occupational functioning, requires hospitalization or includes psychotic symptoms. Bipolar II has mild episodes of mania called "hypomanic" episodes. These episodes of hypomania have the same symptoms of mania but do not involve marked impairment. Random Bloke gave an excellent and very well-informed answer. There appears to be several different types of bipolar disorder and several different types of major depressive disorder. The brain is an extremely complex organ and we're only beginning to understand it.

Answer 3

Although I happen to be both Bi-polar and ADHD they are not related at all. ADHD has to do with hyperactivity and an inability to focus. Bi-polar deals with completely different issues. There are many books available that explain these in great detail.

Answer 4

Experience of psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations or paranoia indicates Bipolar I Disorder; the presence of such symptoms rules out Bipolar II.

A person with BP II experiences hypomanic episodes but not manic episodes.

Answer 5

Bi-polar I means that a person is primarily manic.
Bi-polar II means that a person is primarily depressed.
Bi-polar mixed is a person who experiences both symptons of I & II at the same time.
I'm bi-polar II & I had asked my dr what the differences were.

Answer 6

try looking it up online. go to NAMI (national organization for mentally ill), they explain mental illness in a way that can be understood by all.

hint: there are many local chapters, but the information stays the same

Answer 7

was not aware there was more than one type of bi-polar. With diabetes if you are born with diabetes it is type one if you develop it; then it is called type two.

Answer 8

A bi is bisexual

A polar is an eskimo

Answer 9

type one is where you experence mania/manic side (irritable or high energy) and type 2 is where you are on the opposite side, you are more depressed....so type one you are up and type two you are down

Answer 10

one is aggresive to others the other is prone to hurting themselves (intentionly)