1. Jason Wich, Luis Sandoval, Gabriel pareja
Bipolar-II Disorder
Jason Wich, Luis Sandoval, Gabriel pareja

2. Symptoms Alternating states of mania and depression
Difference between Bipolar I and II

3. Diagnosis Diagnosed the same way as Bipolar I disorder
The line between the two is not clear cut

4. Prevalence DSM IV says .5% of population have specifically Bipolar II
Research has found it to be around 5%
Underdiagnosed in many areas

5. Causes It is unknown what causes any forms of bipolar disorder
There are some links to genetic causes, however the cause is not clearly defined (Phelps 2007)
Environmental factors have a strong influence on the onset of the disorder
Cognitive processes similar to those expressed in unipolar depressed patients has been seen frequently in bipolar individuals (Alloy et. al. 2005)

6. Cultural Factors
Across all cultures, individuals with bipolar disorder had similar symptoms and additional mental health problems
High-income countries have higher rates of the disorder than low-income countries
Collectivist cultures see lower rates of the disorder (Gardner 2011)

7. Gender Variations
Age of onset of bipolar II disorder for females is lower than that of males and were more likely to have mixed depressive episodes
No noticeable differences on the hypomanic side of the disorder, however differences are more noticeable on the depressive side (Benazzi 2006)

8. Treatment Approaches
Therapeutic treatments of bipolar II differ from bipolar I
Psychoeducation has been shown to have success in treating bipolar II
Family-focused therapy also has been shown to be effective (Phelps 2001)
Medicines known as “mood-stabilisers”, lithium and valproate most common

9. Etiology and Therapy
Social support has been seen to be a trigger for the onset of bipolar disorder, showing that increased positive feedback from family/friends can help treat the disorder

10. Walker-Tessner Model
Family Interaction Biological: Bipolar 2 Disorder Genes
Fluctuating Levels of Neurotransmitters

11. Citations
Alloy, L., Abramson, L., Urosevic, S., Walshaw, P., Nusslok, R., & Neeren, A. (2005). The psychosocial context of bipolar disorder: Environmental, cognitive, and developmental risk factors.Clinical Psychology Review, 25,
Angst, Jules. (1998). The emerging epidemiology of hypomania and bipolar II disorder. Journal of Affective Disorders, 50,2,
Benazzi, F. (2006). Gender differences in bipolar–II disorder. European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience,256(2),
Gardner, A. (2011, March 7). U.S. has highest bipolar rate in 11-nation study.CNN Health. Retrieved March 2, 2014, from
Judd, L. et. Al. "A Prospective Investigation of the Natural History of the Long-term Weekly Symptomatic Status of Bipolar II Disorder FREE." JAMA Network. JAMA, n.d. Web. 03 Mar <
Phelps, J. (n.d.). 300 pages on complex mood and anxiety problems. Bipolar II, Mood Swings without Mania; Brain Tours; Stress andDepression; Hormones and Mood; and more.... Retrieved March 2, 2014, from