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. 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. Learn how symptoms may differ between bipolar I and bipolar II disorders and what you can do for diagnosis, treatment, support options, and more. Bipolar II disorder (BD‐II) is currently identified by both the DSM‐5 and ICD‐11 as a distinct subtype of bipolar disorder, defined by at least one depressive episode and at least one hypomanic episode, with no history of mania. Many believe bipolar II is not as serious as bipolar I because symptoms of mania aren’t as severe. But bipolar II has another aspect to it that can also be serious if not treated. Bipolar. Dr. Neff, an AuDHD psychologist, walks through the DSM-5 criteria for bipolar 2 in pictures, from hypomania to depression, and why it's so often missed. Bipolar II Disorder is a mood disorder characterized by alternating periods of depression and hypomania, a less severe form of mania. Bipolar 2 disorder, also known as bipolar II disorder, is a psychological condition characterized by cycles of hypomanic and depressive episodes. Treatments include medication, psychotherapy, and self-care strategies. 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. 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.