Newly found out that my diagnosis is Bipolar II and that it is at the severe stage....I am not really sure if II is a lesser or greater version and what should I expect? Since having my meds changed I haven't had any tantrums as I call them, (as I sometimes get so angry I cry and react like a 2 yr old who has been told no) which is good but I still cant really tell when I am manic *if I have those hardly at all if I indeed have II*. And Ideas or advice those with II or anyone really would really be cool. Thanks

[gayleggg]

I find being bipolar II leaves me mainly in a depressed type state with occasional mixed episodes where I am irritable and more energetic. Of course, I'm on mood stabilizers that keep my mixed episodes few and mild. And I'm on an antidepressant to help keep me from getting too low, so it's hard to tell how I would be without the medications. I used to be classified as bipolar I until last year when they changed it to II. I stick to a strict schedule with my eating and sleeping habits as well. Hope this helps.

Originally Posted by gayleggg

I find being bipolar II leaves me mainly in a depressed type state with occasional mixed episodes where I am irritable and more energetic. Of course, I'm on mood stabilizers that keep my mixed episodes few and mild. And I'm on an antidepressant to help keep me from getting too low, so it's hard to tell how I would be without the medications. I used to be classified as bipolar I until last year when they changed it to II. I stick to a strict schedule with my eating and sleeping habits as well. Hope this helps.

Very helpful, the mood stabilizer is REALLY helping , if I miss a dose you can tell....but that shows that it works i guess. I get mixed alot then, I have experienced the energetic and what I call snippy episodes from time to time.

[nowIgetit]

my pdoc told me you are not bipolar II if you have ever had a manic episode. and that bipolar II tends more towards depression and/or mixed episodes, and tends to be more rapid cycling and therefore harder to diagnose. I do know those characteristics are true for me and that is my diagnosis.

[Woolly Bugger]

I think I am bipolar II in general, but I have had several manic episodes that exceed hypomania, so I might be bipolar I. When I asked my psychiatrist about it, he didn't really seem to care -- in a good way. He's treating me for bipolar disorder and it doesn't really matter if its I or II.

[BipolaRNurse]

Originally Posted by gayleggg

I find being bipolar II leaves me mainly in a depressed type state with occasional mixed episodes where I am irritable and more energetic. Of course, I'm on mood stabilizers that keep my mixed episodes few and mild. And I'm on an antidepressant to help keep me from getting too low, so it's hard to tell how I would be without the medications. I used to be classified as bipolar I until last year when they changed it to II. I stick to a strict schedule with my eating and sleeping habits as well. Hope this helps.

How does one go from bipolar 1 to 2? I mean, if you've ever had a full-blown manic episode you are bipolar 1---it's not like you can go back and undo it. Or is this a different pdoc who dx'd you bipolar 2? Inquiring minds want to know!

[gayleggg]

Originally Posted by BipolaRNurse

How does one go from bipolar 1 to 2? I mean, if you've ever had a full-blown manic episode you are bipolar 1---it's not like you can go back and undo it. Or is this a different pdoc who dx'd you bipolar 2? Inquiring minds want to know!

Different pdoc plus my symptoms have changed over the course of a few years. I haven't had a manic episode I a long time just mixed episodes.

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[vjdragonfly]

There is some difference in 1 & 2, but for the most part you are being treated for bipolar in general. There are different meds for different symptoms and not every case is alike. Do some research on bipolar, learn things to watch for in your moods. Seeing a therapist is great being they can teach you coping skills. Be honest with your pdoc when you see him/her. Doing a mood chart can help too, this is the one I use https://www.optimismonline.com/login.php but I'm sure there are many out there. Hope I helped some.