Do I Have Bipolar II Disorder?

Have you experienced a distinct period of abnormally and persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood and abnormally and persistently increased activity or energy, lasting at least 4 consecutive days and present most of the day, nearly every day?

Do you experience an inflated sense of self-esteem during the periods of the mood disturbance and increased energy?

Do you experience a decreased need for sleep during the periods of the mood disturbance and increased energy?

Are you more talkative than usual during the period of the mood disturbances and increased energy?

Do you experience a rush of ideas during the periods of the mood disturbance and increased energy?

Do you experience distractibility during the periods of the mood disturbance and increased energy?

Do you experience an increase in goal-directed activity or psychomotor agitation (i.e., purposeless non-goal-directed activity) during the periods of the mood disturbance and increased energy?

Do you take part in activities that have a high potential for painful consequences during the period of the mood disturbances and increased energy?

Are the episodes associated with an explicit change in functioning that is uncommon for you when not symptomatic?

Are the disturbance in mood and the change in functioning observable by others?

Are you sure that the episodes do not cause marked impairment in social or occupational functioning or to necessitate hospitalization?

Are you sure that the episodes are not attributable to the effects of a substance (e.g., a drug of abuse, a medication or other treatment)?

Have you experienced a depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day, during the same 2-week period?

Have you experienced a markedly diminished interest in (almost) all activities, most of the day, nearly every day, during the same 2-week period?

Have you experienced significant weight loss when not dieting or alternatively, weight gain, or a decrease or increase in appetite, during the same 2-week period?

Have you experienced insomnia or hypersomnia, nearly every day during the same 2-week period?

Have you experienced an impairment in cognitive functioning, nearly every day during the same 2-week period?

Have you experienced fatigue or loss of energy, nearly every day during the same 2-week period?

Have you experienced feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt, nearly every day during the same 2-week period?

Have you experienced a diminished ability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness, nearly every day during the same 2-week period?

Have you experienced recurrent suicidal thoughts, plans or attempts, nearly every day during the same 2-week period?

Do the symptoms described in the previous questions cause significant distress in important areas of functioning?

Are you sure that the symptoms described in the previous questions are not attributable to the effects of a substance or another medical condition?

Based on your answers, you do not have bipolar II disorder.

Based on your answers, it is unlikely you have bipolar II disorder. However, if you are struggling with mood problems, it may be wise to seek medical attention. You may not be diagnosed with bipolar II disorder, but if your symptoms negatively affect your daily life, professional assistance can help control your condition.

Based on your answers, you are displaying numerous symptoms typically seen among individuals who have bipolar II disorder. Seeking medical help is crucial in this case. Your doctor will review your medical history and ask about your symptoms. The doctor may refer you to a mental health specialist for further testing and treatment.