What is Bipolar II (2)?

Question:

After years of being diagnosed with depression, I am now diagnosed with bipolar II. I have very low "lows" and don't think I have manic episodes, but I do get irritable.
Can I be bipolar without the manic?

Answers:
You are likely Hypo-manic. I am Bipolar II also. I had very deep depressive episodes and very few periods where I felt normal. I was never happy. So yes, you can definitely be bipolar and not have manic episodes.

As a point of reference I am including a link to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). It is a very good source of information for you. Just click the link below to visit the site. It will open in the bipolar section.

If you would like more info or just to communicate with me click my name and see my profile. I really hope this clears things up for you. I will be glad to help in anyway I can, just ask.

Sincerely,
Terry

Other Answers:
Biploar II: The presence of one or more Major Depressive Episodes (lasting 6 months to one year). The presence of one Hypomanic Episode (one very mild form of mania). No history of a manic or mixed episode.

Also, "The mood episodes in Criteria A and B are not better accounted for by Schizoaffective Disorder and is not superimposed on Schizophrenia, Schizophreniform Disorder, Delusional Disorder, or Psychotic Disorder Not Otherwise Specified. The symptoms cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. "

Hypomania: "A distinct period of persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood, lasting throughout at least 4 days, that is clearly different from the usual nondepressed mood.
During the period of mood disturbance, three (or more) of the following symptoms have persisted (four if the mood is only irritable) and have been present to a significant degree:
inflated self-esteem or grandiosity
decreased need for sleep (e.g., feels rested after only 3 hours of sleep)
more talkative than usual or pressure to keep talking
flight of ideas or subjective experience that thoughts are racing
distractibility (i.e., attention too easily drawn to unimportant or irrelevant external stimuli)
increase in goal-directed activity (either socially, at work or school, or sexually) or psychomotor agitation
excessive involvement in pleasurable activities that have a high potential for painful consequences (e.g., the person engages in unrestrained buying sprees, sexual indiscretions, or foolish business investments)
The episode is associated with an unequivocal change in functioning that is uncharacteristic of the person when not symptomatic.
The disturbance in mood and the change in functioning are observable by others.
The episode is not severe enough to cause marked impairment in social or occupational functioning, or to necessitate hospitalization, and there are no psychotic features.
The symptoms are not due to the direct physiological effects of a substance (e.g., a drug of abuse, a medication, or other treatment) or a general medical condition (e.g., hyperthyroidism).
Note: Hypomanic-like episodes that are clearly caused by somatic antidepressant treatment (e.g., medication, electroconvulsive therapy, light therapy) should not count toward a diagnosis of Bipolar II Disorder."

Sounds like Doc got it right to me.
Source(s):
http://www.mentalhealth.com/dis1/p21-md05.html

Bipolar II disorder includes hypomanic episodes, but not manic episodes. Hypomanic episodes include:
Elevated, expansive, or irritable mood for at least 4 days (Manic episodes must last one week).

At least 3 of the following:
Inflated self esteem or grandiosity
Decreased need for sleep
Talkativeness (excessive)
Flight of ideas
Distractibility
Increase in goal-directed activity
Excessive interest in pleasurable activities

However, unlike a manic episode, hypomanic episodes are not severe enough to cause a lot of impairment in social or occupational functioning and may not be severe enough to require hospitalization.
Hypomanic episodes also do not include psychotic symptoms.

So, technically, you have a less severe form of Bipolar Disorder. You still have mania, but the episodes aren't as disabling and they don't last as long.
Did he diagnose you with Bipolar just because you are irritable? Because irritability is also a symptom of just depression. Go through those symptoms above again and see if you have at least 3. If you don't, go back to your psychiatrist and ask some questions.
Source(s):
DSM-IV TR and an overpriced education

Bipolar disorder (also called manic-depressive disorder) is an illness that causes extreme mood changes that alternate between manic episodes of abnormally high energy and the extreme lows of depression.

Bipolar disorder may cause behavior so severe that you may not be able to function at work, in family or social situations, or in relationships with others. Some people with bipolar disorder become suicidal. During a manic episode, you may be abnormally happy, energetic, or irritable for a week or more. You may spend a lot of money, get involved in dangerous activities, and sleep very little.

After a manic episode, you may return to normal, but your mood may swing in the opposite direction to feelings of sadness, depression, and hopelessness. When you are depressed, you may have trouble concentrating, remembering, and making decisions; have changes in your eating and sleeping habits; and lose interest in things you once enjoyed.

The mood changes of bipolar disorder can be mild or extreme. They may develop gradually over several days or weeks, or come on suddenly within minutes or hours.

The manic or depressive episodes may only last a few hours or for several months. Because it has many phases and symptoms, bipolar disorder is complex and hard to diagnose. There are no lab tests for bipolar disorder; instead your doctor or therapist will ask detailed questions about what kind of symptoms you have and how long they last. In order to be diagnosed as bipolar, you must have had a manic episode lasting at least a week (less if you had to be hospitalized). During this time, you must have had three or more specific symptoms of mania, such as needing less sleep, being more talkative, behaving wildly or irresponsibly in activities that could have serious outcomes, or feeling as if your thoughts are racing. Your urine and blood may be tested to rule out other problems that could be causing your symptoms.

Bipolar disorder is mainly treated with medications to manage manic episodes and periods of depression. Your doctor may try several medications before finding the right combination to manage your symptoms long-term. Medications include mood stabilizers and antipsychotics. Antidepressants are used carefully for episodes of depression, because they cause some people to cycle into a manic phase.

Counseling for you is also an important treatment for bipolar disorder.

go to psychologydebunked.com. they will answer your email with free counseling and info

check out cyclothymia. I was diagnosed with this. It is a "low level" form of bipolar..There aren't high highs.its' more of a moderate high, but you feel very accomplished, very artistic. Then there is the low. The depression that is barely tolerable, that will keep you in bed for days, irritable, crying, feeling utterly alone. Incapable of coping, you develop coping mechanisms that draw you away from others. The depression is so swift and debilatating. Does this sound like you?
Source(s):
My therapist, web pages.

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What is Bipolar II (2)?

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