What is bipolar disorder of the second type?

Bipolar disorder of the second type, in contrast to the first, implies, as a rule, a depressive phase. In this case, periods of slightly elevated mood (hypomaniacal) are extremely difficult to diagnose. In fact, even for psychiatrists this disease represents both an ethical and a diagnostic problem. Firstly, because patients in this condition do not consult a doctor. After all, everything is fine, the mood has improved, you want to live and work, new ideas and plans appear ... Secondly, because it is extremely difficult to distinguish such an episode from usual recovery or improvement in depression.

Bipolar disorder of the second type, like the first one, is a mental illness. However, great ethical problems are caused by such aspects as hospitalization, recognition of incapacity for work, assessment of adequacy and the possibility of making decisions to patients. For example, can a person diagnosed with bipolar disorder of the second type dispose of his property and life? Is it possible to recognize the existence of his free will or is it necessary to desire his desire to sell an apartment or get married as a deviation? The classic version of manic-depressive psychosis, which occurs with pronounced phases of excessively high and low mood, is diagnosed rather quickly.

Bipolar disorder of type 2 manifests itself differently. First of all, the doctor pays attention to the long period of depressive state, however, the presence of at least one hypomaniac episode is a necessary symptom that will allow to differentiate the disease with major depression. According to many studies, bipolar disorder of the second type is much less likely to be diagnosed. Nevertheless, according to scientists, this disease often leads to suicide, than the classical depression. Patients are much less likely to fall into the psychiatrist's field of vision, do not so often seek help, perceiving their condition as temporary and transitory.

Bipolar disorder of the second type is often accompanied by concomitant mental disorders. This is social phobia and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Often, obsessive-compulsive disorder is perceived as an independent nosological unit, but the patients, ashamed of their quirks, do not try to take the help of a specialist. Sociopathy is manifested in the progressive removal from public life, fear of communication, before contacts with other people. This factor further exacerbates the suffering and problems experienced by patients with bipolar disorder. For mental illnesses that affect the affective (emotional) sphere, antidepressants, psychotropic drugs, and lithium are most commonly prescribed.

It can be argued that bipolar disorder of the second type has relatively recently been considered an independent nosological unit. It still causes scientific discussions and poses doctors problems of diagnosis and timely assistance.