W HAT IS B IPOLAR II D ISORDER ? Brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks Mental Illness (Bipolar II Disorder 1).

S YMPTOMS Hypomanic episodes (Goldberg 1).  Flying suddenly from one idea to the next  Rapid, "pressured," and loud speech  Increased energy, with hyperactivity and a decreased need for sleep  Ex. might spend money they don't have, seek out sex with people they normally wouldn't, and engage in other impulsive or risky behaviors  Untreated, an episode of hypomania can last anywhere from a few days to several months Depressive episodes  Occur soon after hypomania subsides, or much later  The recurrent major depressive episodes are often more frequent and lengthier than those occurring in bipolar I disorder  Similar to "regular" clinical depression, with depressed mood, loss of pleasure, low energy and activity, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, and thoughts of suicide  Depressive symptoms of bipolar disorder can last weeks, months, or rarely years

D IAGNOSTIC C RITERIA Reoccurring mood episodes At least one major depressive episode  Must last 2 weeks (DSM 133). At least one hypomanic episode  Must last at least 4 days (DSM 132).

C OMORBIDITY Anxiety Disorder 60% of individuals with bipolar II disorder have three or more co-occurring mental disorders (DSM 139). 75% have an anxiety disorder (DSM 139). 37% have a substance disorder (DSM 139). 14% of individuals with bipolar II disorder have at least one lifetime eating disorder (DSM 139).

C AUSES Not well understood (Goldberg 1). Not known if bipolar II disorder can be prevented entirely People who come from a family with an immediate family member that has the mental illness are at higher risk (Goldberg 1). Children with a sibling that has bipolar II disorder are four to six times more likely to develop the illness

S TATISTICS Medical experts say that about 2.5 percent of the population of the United States suffers from some form of bipolar disorder (Goldberg 1). Suicide risk is high Approximately 1/3 of individuals with bipolar II disorder report a lifetime history of suicide attempt

I F YOUR LOVED ONE WAS RECENTLY DIAGNOSED WITH BIPOLAR 2 DISORDER … Educate yourself (Borchard 1). Learn how to talk to your loved one Make rules Plan for emergencies Listen Go gentle Laugh together Get support for yourself