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Bipolar Type 2
Bipolar type 2 is a type of bipolar disorder that consists of hypomanic episodes and episodes of depression. The difference bipolar type 2 has from bipolar 1 disorder is that the level of mania exhibited by patients is less severe (hypomania). How does bipolar type 2 affect patients and family members negatively?
Bipolar type 2 is a mental illness that affects a lot of people. In fact, in the United States alone, people with bipolar type 2 almost total to 6 million in population. Most of the patients with the said disorder have experienced symptoms before reaching the age of 50. The symptoms of bipolar type 2 more often than not start occurring either during teen years or early twenties.
Just like people with bipolar 1 disorder, those who have bipolar type 2 may feel high from time to time and then will suddenly feel irritated. After the episodes of mild mania, episodes of depression are expected to start. The most negative effects however may arise from mild mania, or hypomanic episodes that bipolar type 2 patients go through.
Patients who are in the hypomanic phase may actually seem to be at their best; they may love joking around, may be full of positive aura, etc. However, hypomania in people with bipolar type 2 may result to behavior that is unhealthy such as being too impulsive, taking dangerous risks, being too active sexually, to name a few.
Aside from that, the depressive episodes experienced by patients who have bipolar type 2 are more serious than those experienced by patients with bipolar 1. This may lead to an increased rate of suicidal tendencies.
Take note, too, that bipolar 2 patients may also feel as if they are free from symptoms, or cured of their symptoms because of how positive they feel that they may decide to stop treatment. However, by not continuing treatment, they may find themselves experiencing very severe symptoms that may be dangerous for everyone around them, including themselves.
It may be advisable to keep a close watch over your loved ones with bipolar type 2. Making sure that regular treatment is given to control the symptoms of bipolar type 2 is a must. Aside from taking the prescribed medications regularly, undergoing therapy sessions may also improve the overall health of people with bipolar type 2.
