Browse e-KNOWBASE

Category FAQs Search : Bipolar Disorder

Question: Bipolar II Disorder & its treatment:

Answer: A diagnosis of bipolar II disorder requires someone to have at least one major depressive episode and at least one hypomanic episode (see above). People return to their usual functioning between episodes. People with bipolar II disorder often first seek treatment as a result of their first depressive episode, since hypomanic episodes often feel pleasurable and can even increase performance at work or school.

People with bipolar II disorder frequently have other mental illnesses such as an anxiety disorder or substance use disorder, the latter of which can exacerbate symptoms of depression or hypomania.

Treatment

Treatments for bipolar II are similar to those for bipolar I: medication and psychotherapy. The most commonly used medications are mood stabilisers and antidepressants, depending on the specific symptoms. If depressive symptoms are severe and medication is not effective, ECT (see above) may be used. Each person's treatment is individualised.

(Source: American Psychiatric Association, 11 May 2021)

Source Link: https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/bipolar-disorders/what-are-bipolar-disorders