Bipolar II
Bipolar II disorder is characterized by frequent episodes of depression with hypomanic episodes.  The episodes of depression in bipolar II are as severe as those of bipolar I and often more frequent, the 'highs' of bipolar II are less severe and damaging than those of bipolar I.

Due to the devastating effects mania can have on a persons life, it is often said that bipolar I is a more severe version of the disorder, however studies have shown that because of the frequent episodes of depression, and the difficulty to diagnose, the risk of suicide may be greater for people who suffer from bipolar II1

 

 

1 Rihmer Z, Pestality P: Bipolar II disorder and suicidal behaviour.  Psychiatric Clinics of North America 22: 667-673 (1999)

 

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