Can You have Bipolar 1 and Bipolar 2?


There is often much confusion about the various types of bipolar disorder. There are different types of bipolar disorder, each with their own profile of symptoms. While symptoms may overlap per type, the severity and length of time experienced is usually what sets the various types a part.

As a general rule, someone cannot have bipolar 1 and bipolar 2 at the same time. This is because bipolar 1 and bipolar 2 have their own profiles of symptoms and experiences. In order to be diagnosed properly, someone will need to fall under the category of symptoms/experiences of one or the other.

However, this does not mean that someone cannot switch diagnoses. As we discussed in this earlier article, bipolar 1 can turn into bipolar 2 over time. Let’s take a deeper look at several commonly asked questions about having bipolar 1 and bipolar 2 at the same time.

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Can a Person have Bipolar 1 and 2 at the Same Time?

As briefly mentioned above, one cannot have bipolar 1 and bipolar 2 at the same time. Someone who is diagnosed with a certain type of bipolar will fall into the specific diagnoses.

People with bipolar 1 experience manic episodes. People with bipolar 2 do not. Also, the depressive phases look different in bipolar 2 than in bipolar 1.

The depressive phase tends to be more predominant and usually lasts longer than the hypomanic phase seen in bipolar 2.

Can Bipolar Two turn into Bipolar One?

Every situation is unique to the individual. If Someone who is diagnosed with bipolar 1 can experience a shift in symptoms and then be diagnosed with bipolar 2 instead, the same is true for the opposite.

It’s not so much that shifting from one to the other means that the case of bipolar is evolving. The sets of symptoms are so different as those with bipolar 1 experience mania and those with bipolar 2 do not.

While it is not the usual experience to switch diagnoses, it can happen depending on the individual’s pre-existing factors. Bipolar 2 does not involve mania, however the depressive state is usually more severe than is seen with those living with bipolar 1.

The particular symptoms experienced by an individual might have changing affects over time. This all depends on pre-existing factors, treatment and lifestyle.

What is Mixed Bipolar?

Mixed bipolar refers to having mixed episode. A mixed episode is when both the manic and depressive phases are experienced at the same time. For example, someone with bipolar 1 will experience a manic phase followed by a depressive phase.

Someone with bipolar 2 will experience phases of hypomania followed by more predominant depressive phase. When a mixed episode is experienced, both the manic/depressive (B-1) or hypomanic/depressive (B-2) will be experienced at the same time instead of one after another.

Since these are two contradicting states of mind/emotion this experience is usually very distressing.

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What are the 4 different Types of Bipolar Disorder?

The four types of bipolar are bipolar 1, bipolar 2, cyclothymic disorder, and bipolar not otherwise specified (NOS). Here is a little more about each type and what is typically experienced.

Bipolar 1

Bipolar 1 is diagnosed when manic episodes are experienced. The individual must experience symptoms of mania for at least 4-7 days consecutively in order to be diagnosed.

The symptoms that are typically seen during this phase include (but are not limited to) sudden mood swings, insomnia, random bursts of excitement/joy, impulsiveness, lack of focus and changes in appetite.

Contrary to popular belief, symptoms of the depression phase do not need to be present in order for someone to be diagnosed. Displays of persistent mania are what make bipolar 1 as predominant as it is.

Bipolar 2

Bipolar 2 is diagnosed when a series of hypomanic and depressive episodes are experienced. Unlike bipolar 1, in order to be diagnosed with bipolar 2, both phases need to be experienced.

Typically, these episodes need to be present for several weeks in order for an accurate diagnosis to be made. The symptoms typically seen in the hypomanic phase are PTSD, anxiety, depression, migraines, feelings of worthlessness, detachment and overall emotional pain are common.

Also unusual giddiness, confidence, and euphoria have been seen in both women and men experiencing bipolar 2.

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Cyclothymic Disorder

Cyclothymic bipolar disorder is similar to bipolar 2 with hypomania (elevated moods) and periods of depression. In order to be diagnosed with cyclothymic disorder one must experience this for a minimum of two years.

During this time, a stable mood will only last a few weeks up to a couple of months. The difference between this and bipolar two is that the symptoms experienced don’t quite qualify for bipolar disorder. It’s a mental condition, however, it is not categorized by any other form of mental illness.

Like any other form of mental health issues, when hypomania or depression is experienced when someone is living with cyclothymic disorder, it will interfere with an individual’s daily work and other obligations.

Bipolar NOS

Bipolar NOS is sort of like the miscellaneous “bucket” of bipolar disorder types. The symptoms displayed by the individual will not exactly match with the diagnoses for the other forms of bipolar, yet some form of bipolar should be diagnosed.

People diagnosed with bipolar NOS are usually at risk for their condition developing into another (more outlined) type of bipolar such as bipolar 1 or bipolar 2.

This form of mood disorder typically involves phases of hypomania and depression to some extent. Period lengths of these phases may or may not be consistent.

bipolar 1 and bipolar 2

In short, the different bipolar disorder diagnoses cannot exist along with each other. Mixed episodes may occur and an individual might find themselves “outgrowing” a previous diagnosis for a new, different form of bipolar.

It’s important to talk to your doctor if you have any alarming symptoms that resemble those of bipolar. Getting proper treatment early on can prevent further development into a more severe version of the disorder.

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mblblogger

Hi, I'm Marissa! I'm passionate about mental and emotional health and want to share what I've learned over the years with others! I've seen first hand how mental health struggles can cause serious issues within relationships, work life, daily productivity, self-worth and more! I truly believe that we owe it to ourselves to bring more awareness to these life changing topics. Start your mental/emotional health journey by learning more today!

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