What is bipolar disorder of the second type?

Bipolar disorder of the second type, in contrastfrom the first, implies, as a rule, a depressive phase. In this case, periods of slightly elevated mood (hypomaniacal) are extremely difficult to diagnose. In fact, even for psychiatrists this disease represents both an ethical and a diagnostic problem.

First, because patients in this statethe doctor does not apply. After all, everything is fine, the mood has improved, you want to live and work, new ideas and plans appear ... Secondly, because it is extremely difficult to distinguish such an episode from usual recovery or improvement in depression.

Bipolar disorder of the second type, likefirst, this is a mental illness. However, great ethical issues are caused by such aspects as hospitalization, recognition of incapacity for work, assessment of adequacy and the possibility of making decisions to patients. For example, can a person diagnosed with bipolar disorder of the second type dispose of his property and life? Is it possible to recognize the existence of his free will or is it necessary his desire to sell an apartment or marry to perceive as a deviation?

The classic version of manic-depressive psychosis, which occurs with pronounced phases of excessively high and low mood, is diagnosed rather quickly.

Bipolar disorder of type 2 manifests itself differently. First of all, the doctor pays attention to the long period of the depressive state, however, the presence of at least one hypomaniac episode is a necessary symptom that will allow to differentiate the disease with major depression. According to many studies, bipolar disorder of the second type is much less likely to be diagnosed. Nevertheless, according to scientists, this disease is more likely to lead to suicide than the classical depression.

Patients are much less likely to fall into the psychiatrist's field of vision, do not so often seek help, perceiving their condition as temporary and transitory.

Bipolar disorder of the second type is oftenis also accompanied by concomitant mental disorders. This is social phobia and a syndrome of obsessions. Often, obsessive-compulsive disorder is perceived as an independent nosological unit, but the patients, ashamed of their quirks, do not try to take the help of a specialist. Sociopathy is manifested in the progressive removal from public life, fear of communication, before contacting other people. This factor further exacerbates the suffering and problems experienced by patients with bipolar disorder. For mental illnesses affecting the affective (emotional) sphere, antidepressants, psychotropic drugs, and lithium are most commonly prescribed.

It can be argued that bipolar disorderthe second type has recently been considered as an independent nosological unit. It is still causing scientific discussions and posing doctors problems of diagnosis and timely assistance.

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