Bipolar II

Bipolar II Disorder is a bipolar spectrum disorder characterized by at least one hypomanic episode and at least one major depressive episode; with this disorder, depressive episodes are more frequent and more intense than manic episodes. It is believed to be underdiagnosed because hypomanic behavior often presents as high-functioning behavior.

==DSM-IV-TR Diagnostic Criteria == A. Presence (or history) of one or more Major Depressive Episodes.

B. Presence (or history) of at least one Hypomanic Episode.

C. There has never been a Manic Episode or a Mixed Episode.

D. The mood symptoms in Criteria A and B are not better accounted for by Schizoaffective Disorder and are not superimposed on Schizophrenia, Schizophreniform Disorder, delusional disorder, or Psychotic Disorder Not Otherwise Specified.

E. The symptoms cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.

Treatments
The most effective treatment for reducing Bipolar II disorder symptoms is medication, usually in the form of mood stabilizers. Concurrent use of SSRI anti-depressants may help some with Bipolar II disorder, though they should be used with caution because they exacerbate symptoms in some people.

Non-medication therapies can also help those with the illness. These include social rhythm therapy, interpersonal therapy, behavioral therapy, cognitive therapy, psycho-education, light therapy, and family-focused therapy.

There is no cure for Bipolar II disorder, and relapses can occur even with continued medication and therapy.

Specifiers

 * Chronic
 * With Catatonic features
 * With Melancholic features
 * With Psychotic features
 * With atypical features
 * With Postpartum onset
 * Longitudinal course specifiers (with and without interepisode recovery)
 * With seasonal pattern (applies only to the pattern of Major Depressive Episodes)
 * With Rapid Cycling