Bipolar II disorder is defined by a pattern of depressive and hypomanic episodes, but the hypomanic episodes are less severe than the manic episodes in bipolar I disorder. Many people with bipolar II disorder spend extended periods in a persistent, low-grade depressive state. 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. 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. The condition is classified as bipolar I disorder if there has been at least one manic episode, with or without depressive episodes, and as bipolar II disorder if there has been at least one hypomanic episode (but no full manic episodes) and one major depressive episode. [5]. Bipolar II is a chronic mental illness, defined by episodes of depression and periods of elevated or irritable mood, called hypomania. This is similar to mania but less extreme. What is Bipolar II Disorder? Bipolar disorder II is a major psychiatric disorder in which the person experiences occasional episodes of hypomania. Persons with this disorder also experience episodes of extremely low mood (depression). In between these extremes, the person's mood may be normal. What are the bipolar 2 criteria? Learn the DSM-5-TR diagnostic requirements for hypomania and depression, and how Type 2 differs from Bipolar 1. Reviewed by an MD. Bipolar II Disorder is a mood disorder characterized by alternating periods of depression and hypomania, a less severe form of mania. 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.