Treatment for bipolar disorder is based on the needs of the individual and his symptoms. A person with bipolar II disorder will shift between episodes of hypomania and major depression. Treatment for this disorder will primarily focus on reducing the risks associated with hypomania and treating the major depression, which can be very severe.
Basics
What makes bipolar II different from bipolar I is the state of mania. While a person with bipolar I disorder will experience extreme phases of mania, which may include feelings of euphoria, no need for sleep, engagement in risky behaviors, rapid thoughts, aggressive behaviors and excessive spending, a person with bipolar II disorder will experience a less severe form of mania known as hypomania.
Signs and Symptoms
The signs of hypomania are similar to that of mania, but with much less severity and intensity. According to HelpGuide.org, a person with bipolar II disorder will experience hypomania that will allow her to continue on with her daily routines and never loose touch with reality; she might be extremely productive, require much less sleep, be energetic and may also feel euphoric.
A person with bipolar II disorder also experiences bouts with major depression. An episode of depression might include feelings of hopelessness, lack of energy, inability to experience pleasure, feelings of worthlessness, inability to concentrate, changes in sleep patterns, changes in appetite and thoughts of suicide, notes HelpGuide.org.
Medication
Treatment for bipolar II disorder is very similar to that of bipolar I disorder with the primary differences being which medications are used and at what dosage level. Medication is generally the first-line of treatment for bipolar disorder and is prescribed based on the symptoms experienced by each person. The MayoClinic.com reports that mood stabilizers such as lithium and valproic acid are used in the treatment of hypomania, but at lower dosage levels than what is use to treat mania. Antidepressants are used in the treatment of bipolar II disorder because treating the major depressive episodes is a primary concern, notes the MayoClinic.com. Antipsychotics are rarely used in the treatment of bipolar II disorder.
Therapy
In treating bipolar II disorder, therapy should be used in conjunction with medication. National Alliance on Mental Illness reports that therapy for bipolar II disorder usually includes cognitive-behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, family therapy or psychoeducation.
Considerations
With bipolar II disorder, it is important to understand the state of hypomania in order to increase the effectiveness of treatment. At times, a person with bipolar II may refuse treatment with medications because it can negatively impact his episodes of hypomania, which are generally reported to be enjoyable. Hypomania can make a person extremely productive, it can give him lots of energy and may allow him to be more creative than usual, but it can also have negative consequences. According to HelpGuide.org, hypomania can cause poor decision making, harm to relationships, problems at work and it can induce full-blow manic episodes. Therefore, it is important that a person with bipolar II disorder receive a treatment plan that is specific to his symptoms, risk factors and desires.
