what's the diference between bipolar I and II???

Question

My husband is bipolar but he doesnt know if he is type I or II.
Anyone can explain me more about this bipolar thing? is just so new to me. We've been married gor a year now and since we started dating I knew he had a problem but I still cant accept is bipolar disorder because he is fine most of the time... but other times he doesnt seem like himself...
Im reading a book called "loving someone with bipolar disorder" so far it has helped me to realize when is my husband and when is the bipolar speaking.
is just so overwelming I dont know what to do..
how do I know if he is type I or II.

Answer 1

Bipolar disorder is also called manic-depression. People with bipolar disorder experience mood swings from "high" episodes of mania to "low" periods of depression. When between these "highs" and "lows", people with BP often have the normal range of moods. In most cases, people with bipolar disorder experience more periods of depression than periods of mania. Bipolar disorder can be either severe or mild, and can have either frequent or infrequent mood swings. Depending upon their symptoms, bipolars are diagnosed as having bipolar I, bipolar II, or cyclothymic disorder.

Bipolar I and Mania
Most people with bipolar I have episodes of both depression and mania. In very rare cases, they experience only mania. Bipolar I is distinguished from bipolar II by the severity and duration of the manic phase, which can last anywhere from a week to several months, and the experience of delusions. Risky behavior is common in manic episodes and patients often require hospitalization for their own safety.
The symptoms of mania can include rapid speech, insomnia, disconnected thoughts, grandiose ideas, hallucinations, extreme irritability, feelings of omnipotence, paranoia, violent behavior, a marked increase in strength, and openly promiscuous activity. (see Bipolar Screening)

Bipolar II and Hypomania
People with bipolar II suffer primarily from episodes of severe depression with occasional episode of "mild" mania, called hypomania. Hypomania differs from mania in that no delusions are experienced.
Like mania, hypomania can cause severely impaired functioning. The hypomanic episode often feels so good that bipolar patients often discontinue their medication in quest of a hypomanic episode. This is especially problematic because symptoms that come back after stopping drug treatment are often much harder to get back under control a second time.
While Bipolar II has sometimes been described as a "milder" form of bipolar disorder than Bipolar I, the suicide rate among people suffering form Bipolar II is actually higher than that for those suffering from Bipolar I.

Cyclothymic Disorder
People with cyclothymic disorder alternate between hypomania and mild depression. It is not as severe as bipolar I and II, but persists for longer periods with no break in symptoms. Cyclothymic disorder can later become full-blown bipolar disorder in some people, or can continue as a low-grade chronic condition.

Rapid Cycling
Most people with bipolar disorder have an average of 8 to 10 manic or depressive episodes over a lifetime. Some, however, experience much more severe symptoms called rapid cycling. They can swing (cycle) between "highs" and "lows" many times in one day. To be considered a rapid cycler, you must have at leat 4 mood swings in a year.

Mixed Episode
During a Mixed Episode, symptoms of both mania and depression occur at the same time. The excitability and agitation of mania is coupled with depression and irritability. This combination of high energy and agitation along with depression makes the mixed episode the most dangerous for risk of suicide.

the book you are reading is a real great book and should help you a lot, the support group below is full of great supportive people that understand so if you want to join please feel free they might be able to help you with any questions you have.

Answer 2

The difference is in the severity of the "highs". Bipolar I involves full manic or mixed episodes. Bipolar II only involves hypomanic episodes. Mania and hypomania have the same symptoms but mania is more severe, has more functional impairment, can include delusions and hallucinations and often requires hospitalization. Hypomania does not cause marked impairment and does not include psychotic symptoms and is not severe enough to require hospitalization.

Answer 3

Bipolar I has more significant mania, while Bipolar II is hypomania. Bipolar II seems to have more depression symptoms than BIpolar I.

Answer 4

95% - Bipolar I
5% - Bipolar II

Virtually all Bipolar II cases evolve into Bipolar I cases.

Bipolar I - mania (euphoria, invinsibilty)
Bipolar II - hypomania (agitation)

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bipolar-disorder/DS00356