Bipolar 1 Vs. Bipolar 2: Unraveling the Differences
Updated: 1/30/2026
Affiliate Disclosure: Some links on this blog are affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission. I only share services and products I believe can genuinely support mental health. đź’™
Living with bipolar disorder is more than just “mood swings.” It can affect many areas of life. Many people get confused about the different types of bipolar disorder. While bipolar I and bipolar II share many traits, they are not the same condition. Understanding the differences between them can help you make sense of what you are experiencing and choose the support that actually fits your needs.
Quick Overview
Wondering how to tell “Do I have bipolar 1 or 2?” The only way to know is to see a mental health clinician for a diagnosis. But here’s a quick overview/comparison of bipolar 1 vs. bipolar 2.
If you are ready to talk to a professional, Talkspace offers online therapy, and psychiatry appointments may be available in many states for diagnosis support and ongoing treatment.
Bipolar 1
Manic episodes: Present in bipolar 1. They are characterized by extremely elevated mood, pressured speech, rapid thoughts, and increased energy. They are disruptive and intense and often require bipolar disorder hospitalization.
Psychotic symptoms: May be present. These may involve fixed beliefs that are not based in reality. Disorganized thinking may also be present.
Depressive episodes: May or may not be present. If they do occur, they may involve persistent sadness, hopelessness, and eating or sleeping changes.
Bipolar 2
Hypomanic episodes: Characterized by elevated mood and increased energy. These aren’t as severe as manic episodes.
Psychotic symptoms: May be present during depressive episodes.
Depressive episodes: Present. With bipolar depression, you may have low mood episodes, fatigue, feelings of guilt, and changes in eating patterns.
Difference Between Type 1 and Type 2 Bipolar
Psychiatrists or healthcare providers use the following criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to diagnose bipolar 1 and 2.
Bipolar 1
To be diagnosed with bipolar 1 disorder, you must have had at least one episode of mania that lasted at least 1 week or of any duration, if it required inpatient hospitalization. Bipolar 1 mania symptoms include:
Increased energy
Change in mood, can be either euphoria or extreme irritability
Excessive talkativeness
Inflated self-esteem
Restlessness
Disorganized or racing thoughts
Impaired concentration or memory
Risky behaviors
Poor sleep or a decreased need for sleep
Psychotic symptoms may be present with bipolar 1. Bipolar psychosis symptoms may include delusions (false beliefs), paranoia, irrational thoughts, and hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there).
A person with bipolar 1 may make irrational decisions during manic episodes. They may engage in behaviors that have a high risk for harm.
Bipolar II
For a bipolar 2 disorder diagnosis, you must have experienced an episode of hypomania that lasted at least four days. Hypomanic episodes are similar to manic episodes, but they aren’t as severe and typically don’t require hospitalization.
You must have also experienced one episode of major depression lasting two weeks or more. Depressive episodes are characterized by extended periods of hopelessness, sadness, feelings of worthlessness, sleep disturbance, and a loss of interest in normal activities. Psychotic symptoms can be present but only during depressive episodes.
Suicidal ideation or thoughts of death can occur in both bipolar 1 and 2. Both disorders can significantly interfere with relationships, work, and other areas of life.
Common Questions
Here are some of the most common questions people have about bipolar 1 versus bipolar 2 disorder.
Which Is More Serious, Bipolar 1 or Bipolar 2?
Most people think that bipolar 1 is more serious because manic episodes can be intense and result in hospitalization. In some ways, that is true. People with bipolar 1 are much more likely to be hospitalized (90% of those with bipolar 1 are ever hospitalized compared to 50% of those with BP2). In addition, those with bipolar 1 are much more likely to be placed in restraints, seclusion, and experience involuntary admission.
However, people with bipolar 2 may have more frequent depressive episodes that are more persistent than the ones that occur in bipolar 1. Suicide is a real risk for those with bipolar 1 and 2. And, those with bipolar 2 have higher rates of suicidal ideation.
Can Bipolar 2 Turn Into Bipolar 1?
Yes, it is possible that a person may start off being diagnosed with bipolar 2 and later be diagnosed with bipolar 1 after a manic episode that leads to hospitalization. In one study, 17 percent of people diagnosed with bipolar 2 disorder were later diagnosed with bipolar 1.
What Is the Difference Between Bipolar 1 and 2 and Cyclothymia?
Cyclothymia is a “milder” form of bipolar disorder. A person with cyclothymia will experience ups and downs, but they are less severe than either bipolar 1 or bipolar 2 disorder. With cyclothymia, the symptoms must have been present for at least two years for a diagnosis. This is not the case for bipolar I or 2.
Can online therapy platforms help with managing bipolar 1 and 2 symptoms?
Yes, online therapy platforms that offer both medication management (psychiatric services) and therapy are best for treating bipolar disorder.
If you are looking for online support, Talkspace offers online therapy, and psychiatry appointments may be available in many states for medication evaluation and management.
A Quick Recap
Bipolar 1 and bipolar 2 are both characterized by mood and activity changes. Bipolar 1 features manic episodes, while bipolar 2 is characterized by less severe hypomanic episodes. Both disorders result in dysfunction in daily life.
Depending on the type of bipolar disorder you have, your psychiatrist or mental health provider will create a treatment plan that may include medications, therapy, and other strategies to help you manage the condition.
