While the manic episodes in bipolar 2 are milder than those in bipolar 1, bipolar 2 is still a serious condition that requires professional diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management. The depressive episodes associated with it cause functional impairments and distress. Bipolar II Disorder is a mood disorder characterized by alternating periods of depression and hypomania, a less severe form of mania. Bipolar 1, on average, starts at the age of 18 years old, and Bipolar 2 starts at age 22 years old on average. However, most delay seeking treatment for an average of 8 years after symptoms start. Bipolar II disorder involves episodes of elevated mood and depression. Learn how it differs from bipolar I, how to recognize it, and which treatments can help. Information on bipolar disorder including symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment options, and resources to find help for yourself or others. Bipolar II disorder: You have episodes of depression and hypomania (a milder form of mania). But you never had a full manic episode. While hypomania is less severe than mania, bipolar II can still be very impairing, often because depressive episodes are more frequent or long-lasting. Living with bipolar II disorder means having periods of hypomania followed by periods of depression. We explain the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of bipolar II disorder. Type 2 bipolar disorder earns the spotlight for its major depression episodes. It's as if what's lost in having only a dampened manic phase (hypomania) is frequently made up for on the. What Is Bipolar II Disorder? Bipolar II disorder (pronounced bipolar two ) is a form of mental illness. Bipolar II is similar to bipolar I disorder with moods cycling between high and low over. Although bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, you can manage your mood swings and other symptoms by following a treatment plan. In most cases, healthcare professionals use medicines and talk therapy, also known as psychotherapy, to treat bipolar disorder.