{"id":4686,"date":"2024-11-28T20:31:30","date_gmt":"2024-12-10T04:49:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/healthmedicinet.com\/review\/?p=4686"},"modified":"2024-12-10T04:49:27","modified_gmt":"2024-12-10T04:49:27","slug":"hmn-bipolar-1-vs-2-differences-diagnosis-and-treatment-in-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/healthmedicinet.com\/review\/hmn-bipolar-1-vs-2-differences-diagnosis-and-treatment-in-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"HMN: Bipolar 1 vs. 2: Differences, diagnosis, and treatment in 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>\n<br \/>Do you know:  Bipolar 1 vs. 2: Differences, diagnosis, and treatment in 2025<\/p>\n<p>\n                                    Bipolar I and bipolar II have separate criteria for diagnosis. Compare bipolar 1 vs. 2, how it is treated, and how to support a loved one with bipolar disorder.                                 <\/p>\n<div id=\"main-content\">\n<div id=\"post-intro\">\n<div id=\"takeaways\">\n<h2>Key takeaways<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p>Bipolar I disorder is characterized by manic episodes that last at least seven days or are so severe they require hospitalization and may include depressive episodes. In contrast, Bipolar II disorder involves depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes without the severe mania of Bipolar I.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>The cause of bipolar disorder is linked to a combination of genetic factors (with up to 90% of patients having a family history of bipolar disorder or depression), brain chemical imbalances, and environmental triggers like stress or lack of sleep.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Treatment for both Bipolar I and II disorders typically involves a combination of medication (such as mood stabilizers and, for Bipolar I, possibly additional medication for psychosis) and psychotherapy, with the approach tailored to each individual\u2019s symptoms and experiences.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Supporting a loved one with bipolar disorder involves offering understanding, encouragement, and practical help, such as seeking support groups or therapy for family members, to foster a supportive environment conducive to managing the condition.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"table-of-contents\">\n<div class=\"anchorLinks\">\n<div class=\"mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"dropdownLists\">\n<div class=\"dropdownBtn\"><span class=\"listsIcon\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/singlecare\/images\/union.svg\" width=\"14\" height=\"20\"\/><\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<label><\/label><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"downArrow\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/singlecare\/images\/dropDownArrow.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\"\/><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bipolar disorder affects about <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dbsalliance.org\/education\/bipolar-disorder\/bipolar-disorder-statistics\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5.7 million adults<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in the U.S. (about 2.6% of the population), ages 18 years and older every year.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bipolar disorder<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a chronic mental health condition that dramatically affects mood, energy, and behavior. People with bipolar disorder have intense mood episodes characterized as manic\/hypomanic (abnormally happy, impulsive, or irritable) or depressive (sad). People with bipolar disorder often experience neutral moods as well.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although there are four types of bipolar disorder, the most common types are bipolar I disorder and bipolar II disorder.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People with bipolar I disorder experience manic episodes that can be dangerous and require hospitalization. They may or may not have depressive episodes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People with bipolar II disorder experience hypomania, a milder form of less disruptive mania. They also experience depressive episodes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Continue reading to learn more about the different types of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">bipolar disorder<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"types-of-bipolar-disorder\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Types of bipolar disorder<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are four types of bipolar disorder, the most common being bipolar I disorder and bipolar II disorder.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Bipolar I disorder<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: People with <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nimh.nih.gov\/health\/topics\/bipolar-disorder\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">bipolar I disorder<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> experience manic episodes, often lasting at least seven days. During a manic episode, people have a drastic increase in energy that is so disruptive and severe that they require hospitalization. They also may experience depressive moods, which last at least two weeks, and most people experience types of neutral moods. Bipolar I disorder can significantly interfere with relationships and daily activities such as work.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Bipolar II disorder<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: People with <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/bipolar-1-vs-2\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">bipolar II disorder<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> experience periods of depression lasting at least two weeks. Unlike bipolar I disorder, people with bipolar II do not experience mania (manic episodes). Instead, they have hypomanic episodes, milder, less disruptive forms of manic episodes. They may experience neutral moods in between intense mood states. People with bipolar II are more likely than those with bipolar I to have healthy relationships and steady jobs.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Cyclothymia<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Cyclothymia, or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.psychiatry.org\/patients-families\/bipolar-disorders\/what-are-bipolar-disorders\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cyclothymic disorder<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, is a milder form of bipolar disorder that causes less severe symptoms. People in this group experience hypomania and depressive symptoms for at least two years but do not meet the diagnostic criteria for hypomanic and major depressive episodes.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Other<\/b> <b>specified and unspecified bipolar and related disorders<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: People classified in this group have symptoms similar to those with other bipolar disorder types, but they do not fit into one of the categories above\/meet the full criteria for diagnosis.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This article focuses on the more common conditions, bipolar I and bipolar II disorder.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"what-are-mania-hypomania-and-depressive-episodes\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What are mania, hypomania, and depressive episodes?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before comparing bipolar I and II disorder, it helps to understand more about mania, hypomania, and depressive episodes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"mania-manic-episode\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mania (manic episode)<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A manic episode occurs when an individual is euphoric, impulsive, or irritable most of the time for at least a week. They also feel invincible or have a grandiose sense of self\u2014for example, believing they can play professional sports when they have no experience or can cure cancer (without a medical background). During a manic episode, a person may also have more energy than usual and have at least three of the following extreme changes in behavior:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Less need for sleep<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Talking more or faster<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Racing, uncontrollable thoughts, or quickly changing topics while talking<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Easily distractible<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increased activity (such as restlessness)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increased risky behavior, such as gambling, reckless driving, shopping sprees, or using drugs or excess alcohol<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">During a manic episode, symptoms are severe enough to disrupt work and family life and commonly require hospitalization to keep the person safe. In some cases, during a manic episode, some people will experience psychotic features. This means a break from reality. Some examples of psychosis symptoms are delusions, like thinking the government is watching you, or hallucinations, seeing or hearing things that aren\u2019t there.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/diseases\/21603-mania\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Manic episode triggers<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> vary by person. Some examples of triggers include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lack of sleep<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Using drugs or alcohol<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A very stimulating environment or situation (excess noise, bright lights, big crowds)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A significant life change like marriage, divorce, or losing a job<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keeping a mood diary can help pinpoint triggers and track how you feel before an episode. Family and friends can also help identify triggers. Learning your triggers can help you prepare for an episode or prevent it from happening.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"hypomania\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hypomania<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hypomania, or a hypomanic episode, is a milder form of mania. Symptoms are less severe and may last four consecutive days (rather than a week with mania). Symptoms of hypomania are not as disruptive as manic episodes and generally do not cause disruptions to daily life or require a hospital stay.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"depressive-episodes\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Depressive episodes<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">During a major depressive episode, which lasts at least two weeks, the individual has at least five of the symptoms below, including at least one of the first two symptoms listed:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Intense sadness or despair<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Loss of interest in activities the person usually enjoys<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Feeling worthless or guilty<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fatigue (low energy)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increased or decreased sleep<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increased or decreased appetite<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Restlessness or slowed speaking or moving<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Trouble concentrating<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Frequently thinking about death or suicide<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"what-are-the-differences-between-bipolar-1-and-bipolar-2-disorder\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What are the differences between bipolar 1 and bipolar 2 disorder?<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3 id=\"bipolar-i-disorder\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bipolar I disorder<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People with bipolar I disorder:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Have manic episodes that last for at least seven days or<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">are so severe that they require hospitalization. They may also have symptoms of psychosis.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Usually, but not always, have depressive episodes that last at least two weeks. Depressive episodes may occur simultaneously with symptoms of a manic episode.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"bipolar-ii-disorder\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bipolar II disorder<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People with bipolar II disorder:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Have depressive episodes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Have hypomanic episodes that are less severe than manic episodes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do not have manic episodes<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A major difference between bipolar I and II is that bipolar I disorder significantly impacts daily life, affecting relationships and work, while bipolar II disorder has less of an effect on daily life. Another key difference is that people with bipolar II disorder always have depressive episodes, but people with bipolar I disorder do not always have depressive episodes.<\/span><\/p>\n<table class=\" singlecare-table\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>\n<h2 id=\"differences-between-bipolar-1-and-2\"><span class=\"title\">Differences between bipolar 1 and 2<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Depression<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Usually (but not required for diagnosis)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mania<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hypomania<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sometimes<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Psychosis symptoms\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Possible<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hospitalization<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, for severe manic episodes<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Usually not required<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Impact on daily life<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Significant impact<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Less impact<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Treatment<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Medication and therapy; medication for psychosis may also be required<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Medication and therapy<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2 id=\"what-causes-bipolar-disorder\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What causes bipolar disorder?\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although the cause of bipolar disorder is not entirely understood, a brain chemical imbalance is thought to cause dysregulated brain activity.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There seems to be a genetic component. Up to 90% of patients with bipolar disorder have a family history of bipolar disorder or <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">depression<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Factors like stress, lack of sleep, and drugs and alcohol may also trigger mood episodes in certain people.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People with bipolar I disorder often have other mental health conditions, such as <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">anxiety<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, substance use disorders, or <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">attention-deficit\/hyperactivity disorder<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (ADHD).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"diagnosing-bipolar-disorder-1-and-2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diagnosing bipolar disorder 1 and 2\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Often, people go more than <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dbsalliance.org\/education\/bipolar-disorder\/bipolar-disorder-statistics\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ten years<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> experiencing symptoms before they get an accurate diagnosis. In the diagnosis of bipolar disorder, women are likely to be misdiagnosed with depression (major depressive disorder), while men are likely to be misdiagnosed with schizophrenia. Bipolar II disorder can be even <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5858935\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">more challenging to diagnose<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> because it has symptoms similar to depression. The average age of onset of bipolar disorder is 25 years old, but it varies and can occur at <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.samhsa.gov\/serious-mental-illness\/bipolar\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">any age<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, even later in life.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The healthcare professional will perform a physical exam and take a detailed history. They will also order lab or medical tests to rule out other medical conditions. (Bipolar disorder cannot be diagnosed by a blood test or scan, but various tests can help rule out other conditions.) They may conduct a mental health evaluation or refer the patient to a mental health care professional with experience in bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is usually diagnosed based on symptoms and medical history, and in some instances, family history.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A diagnosis of bipolar disorder requires at least one episode of mania or hypomania. Healthcare providers assess symptoms and use the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.psychiatry.org\/psychiatrists\/practice\/dsm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to determine which type of bipolar disorder the patient has.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"bipolar-i-disorder-diagnosis\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bipolar I disorder diagnosis<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A bipolar I disorder <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/ibpf.org\/articles\/bipolar-i-vs-bipolar-ii-whats-the-difference\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">diagnosis requires<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At least one manic episode\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The manic episode was not caused by medication, substance use, or illness<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A depressive episode is not required to diagnose bipolar I disorder.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"bipolar-ii-disorder-diagnosis\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bipolar II disorder diagnosis<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A bipolar II disorder diagnosis requires:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At least one hypomanic episode<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At least one major depressive episode<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Neither episode was caused by medication, substance use, or illness<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"treatment-difference-between-bipolar-1-and-2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Treatment difference between bipolar 1 and 2<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although there is <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/screening.mhanational.org\/content\/bipolar-curable\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">no cure<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for bipolar disorder, the good news is that symptoms can be controlled with proper treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For both bipolar I and bipolar II disorder, medication and psychotherapy or cognitive-behavioral therapy are commonly used. It is important to take the prescribed medication as directed, even when feeling well. Mood stabilizers, such as lithium, are the most common medication for bipolar disorder. Individuals with bipolar I disorder who experience psychosis will be treated with additional medication. The healthcare provider will determine the best treatment options based on symptoms, drug interactions, cost, and potential side effects.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether you have bipolar I or II, your doctor will most likely prescribe a mood stabilizer to control episodes of mania or hypomania. Examples of mood stabilizers include:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many people require a combination of medications. An antipsychotic may be prescribed alone or in combination with a mood stabilizer. Examples of antipsychotics include:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People with bipolar II disorder may also need to take an antidepressant, along with a mood stabilizer. Using a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">free  card or coupon<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to save up to 80% off the cost of your medications.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In some cases, when medication and therapy are not effective, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be used. This procedure applies an electrical current to the scalp while the patient is asleep (under anesthesia), causing a short, controlled seizure. These ECT-induced seizures are thought to remodel brain signaling pathways.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"supporting-a-loved-one-with-bipolar-disorder\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Supporting a loved one with bipolar disorder<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.samhsa.gov\/serious-mental-illness\/bipolar\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SAMHSA<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">), \u201cWith proper treatment, along with support and self-care, people with bipolar disorder can live healthy, fulfilling lives.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have a loved one with bipolar disorder, you can offer support, understanding, and encouragement. Although most patients with bipolar disorder are in therapy, it is also beneficial for family members to seek support. You may want to seek therapy, and you can also ask your loved one\u2019s healthcare provider for local peer support groups or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dbsalliance.org\/support\/for-friends-family\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">find a support group online<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. 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                       <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Do you know: Bipolar 1 vs. 2: Differences, diagnosis, and treatment in 2025 Bipolar I and bipolar II have separate criteria for diagnosis. Compare bipolar 1 vs. 2, how it is treated, and how to support a loved one with bipolar disorder. Key takeaways Bipolar I disorder is characterized by manic episodes that last at [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4686","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-health-news"],"blocksy_meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthmedicinet.com\/review\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4686","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthmedicinet.com\/review\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthmedicinet.com\/review\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthmedicinet.com\/review\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthmedicinet.com\/review\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4686"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/healthmedicinet.com\/review\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4686\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6177,"href":"https:\/\/healthmedicinet.com\/review\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4686\/revisions\/6177"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthmedicinet.com\/review\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4686"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthmedicinet.com\/review\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4686"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthmedicinet.com\/review\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4686"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}