Bi-Polar type 1 and 2

Written by Elizabeth Stephens | Research Volunteer | TBYM UK

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Bipolar disorders are chronic disorders identified by shifts in mood and energy (Grande, 2016). These include bipolar type 1, the presence of manic and depressive episodes, and bipolar type 2, the presence of hypomanic and major depressive episodes (McIntyre et al 2020). Since 1994, type 2 has been recognized as a diagnosis in the DSM-IV, however many people do not always appreciate it as its own condition (Gitlin & Malhi, 2020). When acknowledged, it is often misunderstood by both the general public and clinicians that because those with type 2 don’t experience full-blown manic episodes, as seen in type 1, that type 2 is simply a milder version (Dolman, 2024). However these are two different conditions with different symptoms which can be equally debilitating. 

During a severe manic episode individuals may experience psychosis, therefore type 1 has a higher rate of hospitalization. Whereas those with type 2 are affected by more severe and long lasting depressive episodes and more frequent hypomanic shifts (extreme fluctuations in mood) (Phillips & Kupfer, 2013). They are also at higher risk of developing an anxiety disorder (Karanti et al, 2020). Both disorders have an equal suicidality rate (Novick, 2010).

Bipolar type 1 is well studied and is also widely recognised within society.

Type 2 remains poorly understood, understudied and is subsequently underdiagnosed and insufficiently treated (Suppes et al, 2023). Accounting for 40% of bipolar disorders, type 2 requires better awareness and understanding from both clinicians and those affected by the disorder (Dolman, 2024).