Bipolar type II is a form of bipolar disorder. Its symptoms include depression symptoms with episodes of hypomania, which is a lesser form of mania. The Mayo Clinic notes that patients have both the low (depression) and high (hypomania) mood symptoms, though the majority of symptoms are on the depression spectrum. Because the symptoms of bipolar type II resemble the symptoms of major depression, patients can be misdiagnosed.
Emotional Symptoms of Depression
When bipolar type II patients are in a depressive state, their emotions switch to increased sadness. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that when patients are suffering from depressive episodes, they have low self-esteem. Bipolar type II patients may also have feelings of guilt and consider suicide; patients may attempt suicide during this mood phase, so their mood should be watched closely. Other emotional symptoms of depression in bipolar type II include agitation and a loss of interest in normal activities.
Behavioral Symptoms of Depression
The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that during a depression episode, bipolar type II patients experience sleeping problems, including excessive sleeping, insomnia and sleep with frequent wakefulness during the night. Fatigue is also related to the sleeping issues, since the patients may not be getting enough sleep at night. Bipolar type II patients may also have changes in appetite, such as over-eating or not wanting to eat. As a result, some patients experience weight loss or weight gain.
Hypomania
The University of Maryland Medical Center defines hypomania as a milder form of mania. The symptoms do not last as long as with full-blown mania, although they do last at least four days. Hypomania is a slight elevation above a patient's normal mood. Since the symptoms are less severe, they do not affect a patient's life as much as mania. Symptoms of hypomania include euphoria, irritability and a decreased need for sleep.
