American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) Practice Exam 2025 - Free ABPN Practice Questions and Study Guide

Bipolar II disorder is diagnosed when a patient experiences a pattern of depressive episodes and at least one hypomanic episode, but without experiencing a full manic episode. Hypomania is characterized by an elevated mood, increased energy, and decreased need for sleep, but it does not lead to significant functional impairment or require hospitalization, distinguishing it from full mania.

In recognizing Bipolar II disorder, the presence of depressive episodes plays a crucial role in confirming the diagnosis. Patients may have recurrent depressive episodes that significantly affect their daily functioning alongside the milder hypomanic episodes. This condition often leads to distress as patients may struggle with the depressive phases while appearing to function relatively well during hypomania.

Identifying the nuances between Bipolar II and other disorders, such as Bipolar I disorder, which includes at least one manic episode, is vital for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning. Schizoaffective disorder involves symptoms of both mood disorders and psychosis, which would not fit if the patient does not present with psychotic symptoms. Cyclothymic disorder involves chronic fluctuating mood disturbances over a longer period, characterized by numerous periods of hypomanic symptoms as well as periods of depressive symptoms of insufficient intensity to meet the criteria for a major depressive episode,