Bipolar vs Bipolar 2 : Key Differences & Symptoms

Bipolar 1 vs Bipolar 2 disorder

Many of us have heard of bipolar disorder and we tend to associate bipolar disorder symptoms mainly with mood swings but, like many mental health illnesses, there is a great deal of ignorance surrounding the subject. Whilst it’s true that people suffering with bipolar tend to experience episodes of mania (extreme highs) followed or preceded by depression, there’s a lot more to it than that. In fact there are two different types of bipolar disorder to be aware of.

Bipolar Disorder Symptoms

Bipolar disorder symptoms tend to be quite vast. To start with there are two commonly known forms of bipolar: Bipolar 1 and Bipolar 2, and their individual symptoms can greatly differ. Somebody with Bipolar 1 is likely to suffer extreme feelings of mania, whereas somebody with Bipolar 2 will often experience less intense mania. This works in reverse too; somebody with Bipolar 1 might not experience extreme depression, but a person with Bipolar 2 is likely to experience episodes of intense depression. Let’s take a closer look at the key differences between Bipolar 1 Vs Bipolar 2.

Bipolar 1 Disorder Symptoms

  • Mania (extreme elation in mood, and likely to make irrational decisions)

  • Risky behavior

  • Irritability

  • Excessive energy

  • Hyperactivity

  • Euphoric feelings

  • Lack of sleep


    Bipolar 2 Disorder Symptoms

  • Excessive tiredness

  • Suicidal thoughts

  • Difficulty concentrating

  • Feeling irritable

  • Changes in sleep pattern

  • Hypomania (not as extreme as mania but there’s a noticeable shift in a person’s behavior)

How To Treat Bipolar Disorder Symptoms

The effects of bipolar disorder, if untreated, can seriously impact the quality of a person’s life. It can create damaging effects on our mental and physical well-being. Furthermore, it can damage important relationships and impair your ability to focus and work. All these aspects can result in severe depression for those suffering from the condition. 

Each variant is different but the good news is that both Bipolar 1 and Bipolar 2 are manageable. The treatment for bipolar disorder is given via  mood stabilizers and psychotherapy to help patients maintain a good quality of life.  Healthcare professionals often prescribe mood stabilizers such as Lithium to calm such extreme mood swings.

Although it’s important to note that some mood stabilizers may not work straight away as doctors need time to gain understanding of the correct dosage for each person. Another thing to bear in mind is that patients may need to try a mixture of mood stabilizers, in order to find one that works best for them. 

Therapy and lifestyle changes are also significant factors in managing and treating bipolar disorder symptoms. Alongside mood stabilizers, doctors advise keeping a journal to track a patient’s moods on a day-to-day basis, as well as their sleeping and eating patterns. This can help doctors gain a better understanding of a patient’s individual needs.

In summary, bipolar disorder symptoms are not as straightforward as we first may think. There are two common forms of bipolar and each form presents different symptoms. Since the effects of bipolar disorder are serious and they can have a damaging impact on a person’s life, it’s important to seek help. A combination of psychotherapy and mood stabilizers can control the illness and allow patients to maintain a better quality of life. 





William Bridge