Everyone has emotional ups and downs, but when your mood switch between extreme and low levels, you may have bipolar disorder. Some days, you’re energetic. Other times, you feel depressed. These feelings last for weeks or even months. These are all signs of bipolar.
Bipolar disorder is a common mental condition recognized by excessive feelings and depressive episodes. According to the WHO, 40 million people had bipolar disorder in 2019. Bipolar 1 and bipolar 2 are two common types of bipolar disorder with many similarities. However, there’s a difference between bipolar 1 and bipolar 2.
Satori Health is a mental health treatment center in the San Fernando Valley. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.
What is the Difference between Bipolar 1 and Bipolar 2?
The two bipolar types have differing extremities and peaks. People with bipolar 1 have mania, while people with bipolar 2 experience hypomania.
Manic episodes are much more severe and dangerous than hypomanic episodes. A manic episode is a period of elevation or high energy. This episode usually lasts seven days or more. People with mania may make questionable decisions, such as spending lavishly on unnecessary items. You can experience psychosis (lose touch with reality). Bipolar 1 can be disruptive to your life and can leave you hospitalized.
Hypomanic episodes are less severe. The person can act differently but still keep up with their day-to-day activities. A person expressing a hypomanic episode is usually depressed, which can last for two weeks. Hypomanic episodes don’t need hospitalization, and the person doesn’t lose touch with reality.
It doesn’t mean bipolar 2 is a milder form of 1. They have different diagnoses. With mania, elevated happiness and high energy can lead to a diagnosis. For hypomania, depression is often the focus of diagnosis. People with bipolar 2 don’t usually experience manic episodes.
Symptoms of Bipolar 1 and 2
As mentioned, a person with bipolar 1 will have manic episodes that last seven days or more. These episodes may have the following symptoms;
- Elevated happiness
- High energy
- Feeling indestructible and powerful
- Jabbering, often in stutters
- Concentration problems
- Insomnia and poor sleep patterns
- Making irrational decisions
- Engaging in harmful behaviors
- Losing touch with reality
Bipolar 2 is characterized by hypomania and depressive symptoms, including;
- Suicidal thoughts
- Poor eating pattern
- Exhaustion
- Irregular sleeping pattern
With manic episodes, taking care of your needs can be challenging. Because of this, they are often admitted to a hospital where they will receive adequate and individualized care. If you or someone you know have manic symptoms, contact a healthcare specialist immediately.
Causes of Mania and Hypomania
Medical researchers are yet to pinpoint the cause of bipolar. However, scientists hypothesize genetics, brain structure, environment, and negative life experiences may cause bipolar.
Medical scientists also believe alcohol, drugs, trauma, and stress to be among the causes of bipolar. Upsetting memories like domestic abuse or losing a loved one are potential triggers.
Treatment for Bipolar 1 and 2
The good news is bipolar 1 and 2 are treatable. Bipolar treatment typically involves medication and a wide range of psychological techniques. Medications help to stabilize mood and stop the episode from becoming worse.
Medications used for these manic and hypomanic episodes include;
- Valproate
- Olanzapine
- Risperidone
- Lithium
- Lurasidone
Lithium is the most administered. It has recorded some success since its approval, but it has numerous side effects. Patients have complained of muscle pain when taking them.
Blood tests and physical examinations are scheduled to determine how much medication will be administered. Some doctors may administer low doses of medication to observe how the body reacts. The doses may become stronger if the episode is severe.
Psychotherapy techniques like journaling or diary writing can be essential to stabilizing mood. You can keep track of every activity you want to do for the day, such as sleeping and eating. The aim is to stay organized and prevent any random thing that may trigger a manic or hypomanic episode.
Satori Health Can Treat Bipolar
The difference between bipolar 1 and bipolar 2 is the severity of the episode and the symptoms. Psychosis is a symptom of 1 and not 2.
Dealing with any bipolar is challenging, and it can be hard to determine when to start. Educating yourself about the condition can give you more insight into managing it. However, it doesn’t end there. You need to talk to a medical professional or therapist about it. Satori Health is always ready to talk to you. Our loving and non-judging staff will listen to your struggles and help you overcome your challenges. Contact us today to learn more about our Bipolar treatment program in Los Angeles.