Bipolar II Treatment

At Hanley Center, we understand the challenges of mood disorders and are here to help you regain stability with evidence-based bipolar II treatment.

Our compassionate team offers personalized, evidence-based care to support you on your journey to lasting wellness.

Understanding Bipolar II Disorder

What Is Bipolar II Disorder?

Bipolar II involves hypomanic episodes that are less severe than mania. Individuals with bipolar II still experience heightened energy and activity, but often without the extreme consequence of mania. However, bipolar II often includes longer and more frequent depressive episodes.

Physical symptoms associated with bipolar II may also include fatigue, headaches, muscle aches and tension, heart palpitations, and persistent fatigue. These symptoms can fluctuate in intensity depending on whether you’re experiencing a hypomanic or depressive episode.

Different Types of Episodes

Bipolar II disorder includes episodes of hypomania and depression.

Bipolar II vs. Bipolar I

The main difference between bipolar II and bipolar I lies in the severity of manic episodes. In bipolar II, individuals experience less severe manic episodes than in bipolar I.

In contrast, individuals with bipolar I experience manic episodes, which are so severe that hospitalization may be needed.

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Bipolar II

Signs of Hypomania

• Increased energy and restlessness
• Racing thoughts and rapid speech
• Impulsive decision-making
• Decreased need for sleep
• Overconfidence
• Tendency to engage in risky behaviors

Symptoms of Depression

• An episode of extremely low mood (making it difficult to perform daily activities)
• Feelings of sadness and emptiness
• Loss of interest in activities and hobbies
• Losing or gaining weight
• Sleeping too much or too little
• Feeling worthless or guilty

Spotting the Warning Signs Early

Identifying the early signs of bipolar II can help improve treatment outcomes. Seek professional support right away if you notice one or more of the following:

• Sudden shifts in mood that feel unmanageable
• Periods of high energy followed by deep depression
• Sleep disturbances (too much or too little)
• Impulsive behaviors that impact finances or relationships
• Concerned loved ones

Causes and Risks of Bipolar II

Genetics

A family history of bipolar disorder, depression, or other mood disorders increases the risk of developing bipolar II.

Environmental Factors

Certain environmental triggers may contribute to the onset or worsening of bipolar II disorder, including:

• Substance use (e.g., alcohol, illicit drugs, or certain prescription medications)
• Sleep disturbances and irregular sleep patterns
• High levels of chronic stress

External Pressures

External pressures may also play a role in triggering mood episodes, such as:

• Traumatic experiences (e.g., childhood neglect, emotional or physical abuse)
• Significant losses (e.g., the death of a loved one or a divorce)
• Excessive caffeine or stimulant use (which may worsen mood instability)

Diagnosing Bipolar II Disorder

Diagnostic Criteria

According to the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), a bipolar II diagnosis requires:

• At least one episode of hypomania (a less severe form of mania that does not cause significant impairment or require hospitalization)
• At least one major depressive episode lasting at least two weeks
• No history of full-blown mania
• Symptoms that cannot be better explained by another mental health disorder or medical condition

Comprehensive Assessment

A thorough evaluation for bipolar II disorder typically includes:

• A detailed psychiatric history (including mental health and family history)
• An assessment of current symptoms and mood patterns
• A mental health status examination
• A physical exam (to rule out medical conditions that mimic mood disorders)
• Screening for substance use disorders
• An evaluation of co-occurring mental health conditions

Common Misdiagnoses: Why Proper Diagnosis Is Crucial

Bipolar II is frequently misdiagnosed as a major depressive disorder, especially when hypomanic episodes are mild or overlooked. Misdiagnosis can lead to inappropriate treatments, worsening symptoms, or triggering rapid mood changes (mood cycling).

Due to overlapping symptoms, other common misdiagnoses can include:

• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
• Borderline personality disorder (BPD)
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Cyclothymic disorder

Bipolar II Disorder and Addiction: How Treatment Can Help

The Co-occurrence of Bipolar II and Substance Use Disorders

Research shows a strong link between bipolar disorder and substance use disorders (SUDs). According to the journal Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy, at least 40% of individuals with bipolar disorder also struggle with different types of addiction.

Challenges of Dual Diagnosis

Managing bipolar II disorder and substance use requires professional treatment to ensure effective, lasting results. Without integrated care, you may struggle with relapse and worsening mental health symptoms.

• Substance use intensifies depressive mood symptoms and increases mood cycling
• Hypomania increases the likelihood of risky behaviors and further substance misuse
• Substance use can interfere with medication effectiveness, negatively impacting mood stabilization

The Importance of Specialized Care for Dual Diagnosis

Effective bipolar II treatment requires an approach that addresses both mood instability and substance use at the same time.

At Hanley Center, our dual diagnosis program combines:

• Evidence-based therapies
• Psychiatric support
• Medication management
• Relapse prevention strategies

By focusing on whole-person healing, we help you regain control and break free from the cycle of addiction. This means we address not just the addiction itself but also the underlying mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual factors that contribute to it. Our dual diagnosis program provides comprehensive support, helping you develop coping skills, build healthy relationships, and create a fulfilling life in recovery.

Effective Treatment Options for Bipolar II

Medication

There is no FDA-approved medication to treat symptoms of bipolar II disorder. However, mood stabilizers, antidepressants (with caution), and antipsychotics can help.

At Hanley Center, our clinicians prescribe medications based on your unique needs, medical history, and symptom severity to help you achieve and sustain long-term stability.

Therapy and Counseling

Therapeutic support is essential for individuals with bipolar II disorder, mainly due to its strong connection to depression.

Effective therapeutic options include:

• Individual therapy
• Family and group therapy
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Inpatient and Outpatient Treatment Programs

At Hanley Center, we offer age- and gender-specific inpatient addiction treatment modalities for adult men, adult women, and older adults. We also offer programs specifically for:

• Pregnant women and their babies (Casa Flores)
• Veterans and first responders (Patriots Program)

Our treatment options include:

• Medically supervised detox
• Inpatient (residential) treatment
• Outpatient programming (e.g., partial hospitalization (PHP) or intensive outpatient program (IOP))

For those without a substance use disorder, we also offer a boutique stand-alone residential mental health program focused on stabilization, therapy, and long-term wellness.