What is the Difference between Bipolar Disorder 1 and 2

Featuring Dr. Lakshmi Yatham, MBBS, FRCPC, MRCPsych (UK)


Duration: 37 seconds

So Bipolar 1 disorder is when people have both manic and depressive episodes, whereas Bipolar 2 disorder is characterized by hypomanic episodes and depressive episodes.

The problem is that both conditions cause significant impairment in functioning, so you do need to seek help regardless of whether you have a Bipolar 1 or Bipolar 2 disorder.

So if you have more questions about bipolar disorder, make sure to talk to your family physician or a psychiatrist if you have a psychiatrist.

Presenter: Dr. Lakshmi Yatham, Psychiatrist, Vancouver, BC

Local Practitioners: Psychiatrist