Dear Donna


People with Bipolar 1 can and do experience VERY SEVERE depressive episodes. It is possible for a Bipolar 1 to have manic episodes without depression but it is not common.

With either diagnosis there can be a predominance of depressive episodes, especially later in life ... post-partum depression is a particular risk in bipolars. Major Depression.

With either diagnosis there can be a predominance of manic/hypomanic episodes... BUT --- a bipolar 2 will never have a manic or mixed episode, otherwise they must be considered bipolar 1.

Mania is defined as lasting a week or more, and sx are usually more severe than hypomania. Hypomania is defined as lasting less than a week. However if psychotic symptoms are present (this does not necessarily mean a full psychotic break), then, a person is considered manic regardless of duration or degree of other sx, and therefore bipolar 1, not 2.