Bipolar II Disorder

  Bipolar II Disorder is defined as a mental condition in which an individual experiences one or more incidences of depression along with a minimum of one hypomanic episode. Bipolar II Disorder is also differentiated from Bipolar I Disorder through the absence of a manic episode. Hypomania is defined as a mild mania within the manic depressive cycle.

  The hypomanic bipolar II  incidences  are similar to manic episodes, but are less punishing with a differentiation of an individual's non-depressed mood. The same symptoms are exhibited with bipolar II disorder as are with Bipolar I Disorder. However, the symptoms are not of the same intensity and therefore do not interfere with daily work or within social gatherings, but they are noticeable to others.

  The identification of the condition known as Bipolar II Disorder began roughly 30 years ago. This language of diagnosis was used to distinguish those who experienced the text book symptoms of bipolar disorder from those who were experiencing depression along with less severe bouts of hypomanic incidences. Those suffering from Bipolar II Disorder did not experience manic occurrences.