Diagnosed as bipolar II, doesn't quite fit?

Question

I saw a psychiatrist over the summer and got unexpectedly diagnosed as Bipolar II.
I don't really trust the diagnosis and I haven't since gone back to the psychiatrist. I would, however, like to figure out what is going in my life, and Bipolar II is the only starting point I have.
My energy has a terrible way of grinding to a halt whenever novel or pressing external stimuli are removed. I have a hard time getting up in the morning for anything routine (lateness has always been a problem). If I sit down at a computer I often lose many hours browsing aimlessly, getting increasingly depressed. For example, I woke up today at noon, read articles from reddit.com for four hours before finally working up the strength to leave my apartment. If I manage to work out (run, lift weight, do jiu jitsu, etc..) or spend time with friends I will feel great for several hours. Everything I've ever done in life is marked by a short enthusiasm which slides into a depressed haze. Any ideas what's up?

The problem I have with the diagnosis is my "symptoms" are too quick and too easily influenced by my environment.

When I compare myself to http://www.mentalhealth.com/dis1/p21-md05.html#DepEp
it just doesn't seem like me.

For example: "depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day".
I'm rarely depressed all day, and it only happens if my day lacks activity. If I go to a class, take a jog, meet friends, etc... then like magic I'm no longer depressed. It's just often difficult to get myself to do those things...

Also, I generally haven't been suicidal, my weight is stable (though considerably higher than I'd like), etc..

On the manic side, even though I do get overly involved in projects I never feel "rested after only 3 hours of sleep" or experience inflated self-esteem or talk uncontrollably.

I'm frustratingly sort-of bipolar II. Is there any better label?

Answer 1

My brother is diagnosed with Bipolar II and his symptoms are a lot like that.

He gets overly excited about new projects but burns out quickly and seldom finishes them.

He got a lot better when the doctor put him on Lithium.

Answer 2

i have the exact same problem as you and i've had cycles of depression for many years. when i describe my symptoms on yahoo answers, several people suggested that i had bipolar 2. The highs and lows are not as extreme as bi polar 1. The lows are quite low and the high is happier than usual. and i feel much happier when i go do things but have problem doing so, and feel dysfunctional alot. There are times when i truly don't want to see anyone.