Main diagnosis page

Return to the full Bipolar II Disorder pillar page.

Clinical overview

• Bipolar II disorder lives in the space between recurrent depression and a history of unmistakable hypomania, without any true manic episode. In real life, many patients come to treatment because of depression, while the hypomanic periods are only recognized later in the story.
• No mania: The boundary is important. If the person has ever had a full manic episode, the diagnosis is no longer bipolar II.
• Hypomania threshold: Hypomania still has to be a real episode. It lasts at least 4 days, is noticeable to others, and reflects a clear change from baseline.
• Depressive burden: Most of the suffering often comes from the depressive side, which is why bipolar II is so often missed early on.

Related Guides

• Bipolar II Disorder DSM Criteria Guide
• Bipolar II Disorder Scales and Assessment Tools
• Bipolar II Disorder Treatments and Medications
• When to Seek Professional Help for Bipolar II Disorder