BiPolar 2

can anyone explain the symptoms of bipolar 2 . to me please?

[Xila31]

Hmm well there are some good information on the health links here, but basically the difference between Bipolar 1 and Bipolar 2 is usually the severity of the mania. People with Bipolar 2 usually only have what is call hypomania, which means not full mania. You may feel elevated or speeded up but not the extent or severity of full on mania. There is a lot of debate about Bipolar 2 from what I've read, such as if people with Bipolar 2 can rapid cycle or not. I have been diagnozed with Bipolar 2 but I also have rapid cycling and mixed states, (which is a combination of mania and depression, very rough.)

Bascially the symptoms of hypomania are the same as mania but to a lesser degree.
rapid/pressured speech
elevated mood
increased level of energy
irritability
Spending, gambling sprees
Risky behavior (drgus, alcohol, affairs included)
Poor judgement

On the depression side all of the symptoms are the same for depression.

[jsrn66]

Hi,
Xila31 was right on.  I am Bipolar2 w/ rapid cycling and mixed states also. The mania is to a lesser degree but when I am manic, I am up all night and sometimes for weeks at a time with only getting a few hours of sleep during the day.  I talk non stop, repeat myself, get jittery and more anxious, as well as irritable, and I have racing thoughts that just wont stop.  I'm constantly thinking, thinking, thinking,......about everything and anything.  I can be "up" on the hyper side for a few weeks, down for 1-2 then "up" again, but its hypomanic.  When I'm depressed, all I want to do is stay in bed and under the covers.  That can also last a very long time.  It all depends what triggers me and whether I am more manic or more depressed at the time as to whether I'm on the up or down side of the hypomania.    My doctor says that Hypomania is when you feel manic and somewhat depressed at the same time.  She also said that usually w/ Bipolar 1 there is more chance of hallucinations.  I'm not sure about that one though.

[Cherie762]

ask your doc about Deserol its a anti depressant that is safe to take w another if you are on one..and you must take 1 hour before bedtime cause you will sleep atleast 6 hours.

also Lactimal...just helped me big time mood stabliser  and stops racing thoughts

[CrazykC]

Prozac.

[jimgreg]

well i go threw seanons of deppreshion mostly..1st in fall i go into a mixed state of manina and deppreshion..winter is full blown bipolar2 DEPPRESHUION ALONG WITH SEANAL AFFECTED DISSORDER...spring comes im hypomanic off and on..summer i cycle between hypomanic and mixed,,but mostly depressed..