Alternative Names & Classifications:
Bipolar Type II Disorder (CLINICAL)
Description
Bipolar type II disorder is defined by a clinical course of recurrent major depressive episodes interspersed with milder periods of elevated mood called hypomania. It often emerges in late adolescence or early adulthood and can be challenging to diagnose due to the subtlety of hypomanic phases. The depressive episodes are typically more frequent and prolonged than the hypomanic ones, causing significant distress.