Definition of Bipolar II disorder

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Bipolar II disorder: Bipolar disorder in someone who has experienced depression and at least one episode of hypomania but not severe mania. Hypomanic episodes characteristically do not cause significant distress or greatly impair one's work, family, or social life.

Bipolar II disorder is distinct from bipolar I disorder in which a person has had at least one episode of severe mania. Severe mania characteristically causes significant distress or greatly impairs one's work, family, or social life.

Last Editorial Review: 2/14/2004

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