Bipolar 1 disorder and bipolar 2 disorder differ with regards to
a.whether they include full-blown manic phases
b.whether they develop suddenly at an early age or gradually at a later age
i think it is A because I know that type 1 is classified by having full blown manic attacks, but do they develop at different times as well?
Yes, you are correct that bipolar 1 disorder and bipolar 2 disorder differ in terms of whether they include full-blown manic phases, but they can also differ in their age of onset. Let me explain both differences in more detail:
A. Full-Blown Manic Phases:
- Bipolar 1 disorder: It is characterized by the presence of at least one full-blown manic episode.
- Bipolar 2 disorder: It is characterized by the presence of at least one hypomanic episode. A hypomanic episode is similar to a manic episode but usually less severe and does not lead to significant impairment in functioning.
B. Age of Onset:
- Bipolar 1 disorder: It often manifests with a manic episode during late adolescence or early adulthood, usually between the ages of 15 and 25. However, it can also develop later in life.
- Bipolar 2 disorder: It generally has a later onset compared to bipolar 1 disorder. It tends to develop in late adolescence or adulthood, typically between the ages of 18 and 30. However, it can also occur earlier or later in life.
It's important to note that while these are general patterns, individual experiences may vary, and there can be overlaps in the age of onset between bipolar 1 and bipolar 2 disorders. To get a definitive diagnosis and understand the specific characteristics in an individual case, it is best to consult a mental health professional such as a psychiatrist or psychologist.