Life can be an emotional roller coaster, but for people living with bipolar disorder, it can feel impossible to manage the ups and downs. There are two main types — bipolar 1 disorder and bipolar 2 disorder. People with these mental health conditions experience depressive episodes to varying degrees. However, some key differences between bipolar 1 and bipolar 2 set them apart from each other.

This article will cover the differences and similarities between bipolar 1 and bipolar 2. To learn more about the types of bipolar disorder, talk with your doctor or a mental health professional.

Differences Between Bipolar 1 and Bipolar 2

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), bipolar disorder is “a mental illness that causes unusual shifts in a person’s mood, energy, activity levels, and concentration.” People with bipolar 1 and bipolar 2 may have similar symptoms but also a few different ones. The length, type, and severity of symptoms may differ the most.

Doctors and researchers have found that depression can last longer for people with bipolar 2 disorder than for those with bipolar 1 disorder.

1. Bipolar 1 Causes Mania, but Bipolar 2 Doesn’t

Both bipolar 1 and bipolar 2 cause bouts of depression — known as depressive episodes. However, people with bipolar 1 disorder also experience mania.

Manic episodes are defined by high energy levels and elevated moods. You may feel invincible and irritable and make rash decisions. It’s also possible to have delusions of grandeur or experience psychosis (a break from reality). Some people think they can cure cancer or win an Olympic medal with no sports experience, for example. Episodes of mania can also cause hallucinations, making you see or hear things that aren’t there.

If left untreated, mania can become so severe that you need hospitalization. Some people are hospitalized after they engage in risky behavior, such as driving recklessly, using illicit drugs, or drinking too much.

NIMH notes that to receive a bipolar 1 disorder diagnosis, you need to experience either manic symptoms for at least seven days or symptoms severe enough that you need hospitalization or medical care.

2. People With Bipolar 2 Can Experience Hypomania

People with bipolar 2 disorder don’t experience severe manic episodes. Instead, they cycle between episodes of depression and hypomania. According to Cleveland Clinic, hypomania isn’t as severe as mania. You’ll feel more energetic than usual, but not intensely enough to require medical attention.

Examples of hypomania include:

• Spending lots of money on a shopping spree
• Investing in a business without considering the outcome
• Becoming obsessed with a new project or activity

It’s uncommon to have delusions or hallucinations with bipolar 2 disorder.

Since hypomanic episodes aren’t as intense, many people with bipolar 2 don’t see them as a problem. Bipolar 1 disorder can also cause hypomania but only some symptoms. Manic and depressive episodes may be much more obvious in bipolar 1.

3. Depressive Episodes Differ Between These Conditions

In bipolar 1 disorder, episodes of depression persist beyond two weeks. It’s possible to experience symptoms of both depression and mania at the same time. This is known as having depression with mixed features.

People with bipolar 2 disorder may also experience depressive episodes for two or more weeks. However, doctors and researchers have found that depression with bipolar 2 can last longer and be more severe or debilitating than depression with bipolar 1.

Similarities Between Bipolar 1 and Bipolar 2

Bipolar 1 and bipolar 2 disorders also share some similarities. Both conditions cause depressive episodes with the same symptoms. Health care providers also treat these two disorders with similar treatments. Certain shared triggers seem to lead to mood episodes as well.

1. Both Types Cause Depressive Episodes

People experiencing depression with either type of bipolar disorder may:

• Feel down, depressed, or sad
• Think about harming themselves
• Have little to no interest in activities they usually enjoy
• Sleep too much or too little
• Feel forgetful or lose their words as they’re talking
• Have trouble focusing and making important decisions

2. Doctors Use Similar Treatments for Bipolar 1 and 2

Although bipolar 1 and bipolar 2 cause different symptoms, they have similar treatments. Your exact treatment plan depends on the type of bipolar disorder and how severe it is.

For example, mood stabilizers help manage manic or hypomanic episodes. You may be prescribed these medications if you have either bipolar 1 or 2 disorder.

Psychotherapy or talk therapy is a vital part of bipolar disorder treatment.

Antidepressants treat depressive episodes in both types of bipolar disorder. You’ll need to take a mood stabilizer along with your antidepressant. This helps prevent mania and “rapid cycling.” People with bipolar 1 disorder who have four or more manic or depressive episodes in one year are considered to be rapid cycling.

Antipsychotic medications help manage delusions and hallucinations during manic episodes. These drugs are also mood stabilizers for long-term depression associated with bipolar disorder.

Psychotherapy or talk therapy is a vital part of bipolar disorder treatment. A mental health professional will help you identify negative thoughts, behaviors, and beliefs. You’ll work on replacing them with more positive thoughts. This is known as cognitive behavioral therapy. Joining a support group can also be beneficial. You’ll learn tips and hear stories from others living with bipolar disorder.

3. Bipolar 1 and 2 Have Similar Triggers

Everyone’s bipolar disorder is unique, but certain triggers can set off mood swings and episodes. Your brain and body need sleep to rest and recover. Without enough sleep, you’re more likely to experience a depressive episode. Studies show that lack of sleep can trigger depression in both bipolar 1 and bipolar 2.

Stressful life events can also trigger mood episodes in both disorders. Divorce, the death of a loved one, and illness all take a toll on mental health. Issues with finances or work create worry and stress, too. All these events may lead to depressive episodes.

Studies show that lack of sleep can trigger depression in both bipolar 1 and bipolar 2 disorders.

If you’re dealing with new stress or a life-changing event, don’t be afraid to reach out for help. Talk to your doctor or therapist about ways to manage stress.

Talk to Your Doctor About Bipolar 1 and Bipolar 2

Bipolar 1 and bipolar 2 disorders can significantly affect your daily life. It’s important to talk to your doctor about your symptoms to get the right diagnosis. If you think you may have bipolar 1 or bipolar 2, make an appointment. Your doctor can also refer you to a mental health professional for additional treatment and information. Assistance is available, including job support, for people living with bipolar disorder.

By getting an early and accurate diagnosis, you can live a healthier, more stable life.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyDepressionTeam is the social network for people with depression, other mental health conditions, and their loved ones. On MyDepressionTeam, more than 148,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with depression and other mental health conditions.

Are you living with bipolar 1 or bipolar 2 disorder? Do you have other questions about how they’re similar or different? Share them in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.