fatigue, difficulty concentrating, feelings of worthlessness, thoughts of suicide, restlessness, changes in appetite, changes in sleep patterns, and loss of interest in enjoyable activities.
With hypomania, you need to have had a minimum of three of the following symptoms: the decreased need for sleep, racing thoughts, changing topics rapidly, increased activity, distractibility, and an increase in risky behavior.
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How Bipolar II Disorder Is Treated
The treatment for bipolar II disorder is similar to that of bipolar I. Once you’ve been diagnosed, your doctor will work with you to determine a medical regimen and how psychotherapy can help. Some of the medications your doctor can explore include mood stabilizers, antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anti-anxiety drugs. It can take some time to determine which combination works best for you – especially if you have other chronic conditions.
There are also different types of psychotherapy that can be essential to managing your disorder. These include psychoeducation, family-focused therapy, interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT), and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). In the rare instance that you don’t respond to the medications or can’t take them, your doctor may suggest electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), where an electrical pulse is passed through the brain briefly.
It may take some time to get a bipolar II disorder diagnosis but it’s worth it. The symptoms aren’t as severe as bipolar I but they’re still enough to disrupt your life if it’s not managed properly. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms of the condition, talk to your doctor as soon as possible.