I'm pretty shocked by that statement. He's an educated professional and he is repeating a common misconception. Actually Dr. Phelp's book about bipolar II "Why am I still depressed?" clearly makes the point that this is not the case. BP II is not "BP lite." There is even some research evidence that the depressions associated with BP II are often more severe and more dangerous than the depressions associated with BP I. (Of course, on the other hand hypomania is not going to be severe as mania, so perhaps that is where the doctor gets confused.)

Also, as others have stated, there is huge individual variation. I don't doubt that there are people with BP II that experience severe disturbance in their life and people with BP I who have their disease totally under control.

From a personal standpoint, it feels very minimizing to have a disorder that has nearly derailed (and ended) my life at times dismissed as "less serious."

Isn't the guy that wrote this the guy who runs this forum? Perhaps he will clarify his comment.

Best,
EJ

P.S. I know I am a bit of a constant commercial for Phelps, but i felt like I learned so much from his book and website! Great read on BP II!