Video: Here’s what you should know about bipolar II disorder

Did you know bipolar II disorder affects around two percent of the population, making it more common than bipolar I disorder?

Fabiano Gomes, academic psychiatrist and assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioural Neurosciences, says bipolar II disorder is a unique mood characterized by episodes of depression and hypomania.

Gomes describes hypomania as a milder form of mania—where a person might feel unusually energized, confident or productive, lasting at least four days.

“One important difference is that these symptoms don’t disrupt daily functioning in the same way as mania in bipolar I disorder,” explains Gomes.

During a hypomanic episode, someone may feel more outgoing, need less sleep or take on multiple tasks at once.

“While hypomania can feel productive, it’s not always harmless—some people may engage in risky behaviors or experience irritability,” says Gomes.

By contrast, depressive episodes in bipolar II are marked by low energy, feelings of sadness or worthlessness and difficulty concentrating. These episodes can be severe, explains Gomes, lasting weeks or months, often dominating the course of the illness.

“A common misconception about bipolar II disorder is that it’s just a milder version of bipolar I disorder,” says Gomes. “While it doesn’t involve full-blown mania, the depressive episodes can be just as severe—if not more disabling.”

Gomes says this misunderstanding can lead to people underestimating the impact of the condition and delaying necessary treatment.

“By increasing awareness of bipolar II disorder, we can help reduce stigma, promote earlier diagnosis and ensure that everyone affected gets the support they need,” says Gomes.

Interested in learning more? Here’s what you should know about bipolar I disorder.

This is part of a mental health series produced by McMaster in collaboration with YouTube Health Canada, to counter online misinformation and provide reliable health information from medical experts.