What's the Difference Between Bipolar 1 and Bipolar 2 Disorder?

Bipolar disorders cause intense mood swings, changes in energy levels, and decreases in the ability to function normally in daily life. There are two main types of bipolar disorder: bipolar 1 and bipolar 2.

Both bipolar 1 and bipolar 2 both cause intense mood swings and energy fluctuations. However, the biggest difference is that bipolar 1 causes mania episodes, while bipolar 2 leads to hypomania episodes.

Symptoms of Bipolar 1 vs. Bipolar 2

Bipolar 1 and bipolar 2 both have symptoms that cause intense mood swings and changes in energy levels and concentration. These conditions can make it difficult for you to function, causing challenges at home, work, school, and interpersonal relationships. Here's a breakdown of how symptoms of each condition compare:

Differences

Bipolar 1 and bipolar 2 have many symptoms in common. However, these conditions have some key differences.

Different Diagnostic Criteria

There are different criteria healthcare providers use when diagnosing bipolar 1 and bipolar 2.

To receive a diagnosis for bipolar 1, your healthcare provider will ask if you:

• Had at least one episode of mania that lasted for at least a week
• Felt that your manic episode made it difficult for you to function and/or caused hospitalization

To be diagnosed with bipolar 2, you:

• Must have had one episode of hypomania that lasted at least four days
• Experienced at least one episode of major depression

May Affect Different Populations

Both bipolar 1 and bipolar 2 can affect anyone of any background. However, according to research published by the International Journal of Bipolar Disorders, the two types of bipolar disorder may affect different populations at different rates.

The study suggested that bipolar 2 may be more likely to affect people assigned female at birth, especially older women. In general, the hypomania symptoms associated with bipolar 2 may occur at a later age than bipolar 1. It may take longer for people with bipolar 2 to get a diagnosis as well.

The Prognosis Varies

There are differences in how bipolar 1 and 2 may progress.

Bipolar 2 typically occurs first with symptoms of depression. These depressive symptoms may dominate for years before symptoms of hypomania develop. Bipolar 2 is also more chronic (long-term and ongoing) than bipolar 1. Many people who experience bipolar 1 may experience episodic symptoms or symptoms that occur from time to time.

Similarities

Bipolar 1 and bipolar 2 have a lot in common, especially when it comes to key symptoms like mood changes, energy level changes, and changes in concentration.

Similar Prevalence

Overall, 4.4% of adults will experience bipolar disorder in their lifetime.

Although research is limited, the research that does exist shows that both bipolar 1 and 2 have similar prevalence rates, meaning they generally affect the same number of people. Research estimates that the lifetime prevalence rate for bipolar 1 disorder is 1.06%, while the lifetime prevalence rate for bipolar 2 is 1.57%.

Medication and Therapy Can Treat Symptoms

The basic treatment options for bipolar 1 and bipolar 2 are the same. A combination of medications and psychotherapy can help manage symptoms, regardless of what type of bipolar disorder you have. The main difference between medications is that people with bipolar 1 may need antipsychotic medications, while people with bipolar 2 can benefit from antidepressants.

Greatly Affect Functioning and Mood

Both bipolar 1 and bipolar 2 are serious conditions. These conditions make it difficult for you to function optimally in your daily life, such as at school, work, home, and social situations. However, symptoms can often be severe enough to cause suicidal ideation, increasing your risk of self-harm or suicide.

Can You Have Both Bipolar 1 and Bipolar 2?

In general, it’s not possible to have both bipolar 1 and bipolar 2 at the same time. They are two separate conditions and don’t overlap. However, it’s possible to have a type of bipolar disorder that is a mix of both bipolar 1 and bipolar 2. Although this combination type is rare, a mix of both bipolar types is typically referred to as "other specified and unspecified bipolar and related disorders.”

When To Reach Out for Help

If you or a loved one have symptoms of either bipolar 1 or bipolar 2, it's important to reach out to a healthcare provider for support. You can usually start by discussing symptoms with your primary healthcare provider.

If your provider thinks you may have bipolar disorder or wants to get you evaluated for the condition, they will likely refer you to a mental health provider for testing and treatment.

Seek emergency medical care if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
• Severe side effects from medications
• Signs that your bipolar medications are no longer working
• Severe mood swings or bipolar 1 and 2 symptoms that are getting worse
• Risky behavioral patterns that may cause harm to yourself or others

A Quick Review

Bipolar 1 and bipolar 2 are both mental health conditions defined by mood swings, changes in energy and activity levels, changes in attention and concentration, and dysfunction in everyday life. The main difference between the two is that bipolar 1 causes manic episodes, while bipolar 2 causes hypomanic episodes and depressive moods.

Despite the severity of these conditions, therapy and medications can help improve symptoms and your overall quality of life.