Bipolar II is part of the Bipolar Disorder family. Since this mood disorder does not always follow the same pattern of episodes of extremely high energy, high elation or mania followed by classic lows of deep depression, the disorder has been classified into various subsets, which better explain the symptoms of the sufferer. Bipolar II is characterized as at least one hypomania episode and at least one major depression episode. Hypomania is a milder form of the severe mania seen in Bipolar Disorder. Hypomania is a state of elation which is almost normal it is appearance and people are high functioning and very creative without the severe reckless behavior (though these still have some reckless behavior as well as poor judgment) or the hallucinations and delusions characteristic of full-blown mania. The depression episodes are also more frequent with these high functioning creative individuals who suffer from this form of Bipolar illness.
DSM-IV-TR Diagnostic Criteria
In order to get this classification as stated before, the person must experience at least one hypomanic episode and one major depression episode. If a hypermanic episode has occurred the diagnosis for Bipolar II will not be made. Also there can never be a mixed episode where both mania and depression are occurring at the same time. Furthermore, the symptoms are not attributed to another disorder such as schizoaffective disorder, schizophrenia, delusional disorder or any other order non-specified illness. The symptoms of this illness will cause distress in social, work related, home or other areas of human functioning.
Treatment
What works best with Bipolar II sufferers is medication. The most common form of medications is mood stabilizers. Mood stabilizers are affective in evening out moods so that the there are less episode switching from hypomania to depression and back. These mood enhancers are effective for the mania characteristic of Bipolar II. They help to eliminate the hypomania, however they are less effective in treating the symptoms of depression. Usually anti depressants are required in addition to mood enhancers to effectively treat depressions. Having said that, there are exceptions to this rule. Lithium, which is the oldest medication for Bipolar Disorder has proven to be successful in treating both mania and depression.
Recently researchers have found that anticonvulsants normally used to treat seizures in patients having brain disorders such as epilepsy or brain damage in some way is also effective in treating mania. This discovery is rather exciting and has put a new face onto the treatment for Bipolar Disorder. This new medication holds great promise for patients who in the past did not respond to lithium. Now, there is a treatment that will help them manage their symptoms and live normal lives.
Finding just the right treatment for Bipolar Disorder is not always easy. In the beginning there will be a lot mixing and experimenting with different medications until the right one will be found. Some medications will have no affect at all; others just need to be increased in dosage. Ethical doctors will always start with the lowest dosage of any medication to see if it is effective rather than start off high and cause possible harmful side affects. Furthermore, the medication itself at the minimal dosage may have uncomfortable side affects and deemed not suitable for a particular patient. Everyone is different and so the treatment medication must be found to suit that individual.s body and brain chemistry. It could take quite some time before the proper medication can be found. Do not go off your medication even if it is causing side effects. It is important that you discuss all the symptoms you are experiencing since your doctor prescribed the medication. It will be his or her job to decide if you should continue with the medication or not. He or she may choose to change your medication, or keep you on it for just a bit longer. Some medications are known to have side effects in the beginning but the symptoms disappear after a couple of weeks.