What is the difference between bipolar 1 and bipolar 2?

Watch as HealthMaker Ellen Leibenluft, MD, chief of bipolar spectrum disorders at the National Institute of Mental Health, describes the distinct characteristics and differences between bipolar 1 and bipolar 2.

Up Next

  • What is the definition of bipolar disorder?

  • Are treatments different among mood disorders?

  • Understanding bipolar disorder

  • What is the difference between bipolar disorder and schizophrenia?

  • What causes bipolar disorder?

  • What does episodic mean in bipolar disorder diagnosis?

  • Can a child develop bipolar disorder?

  • How can I minimize the side effects of bipolar medications?

  • Bipolar disorder, explained

  • Understanding bipolar disorder

Up Next

  • What is the definition of bipolar disorder?

  • Are treatments different among mood disorders?

  • Understanding bipolar disorder

  • What is the difference between bipolar disorder and schizophrenia?

  • What causes bipolar disorder?

  • What does episodic mean in bipolar disorder diagnosis?

  • Can a child develop bipolar disorder?

  • How can I minimize the side effects of bipolar medications?

  • Bipolar disorder, explained

  • Understanding bipolar disorder

AskMDAskMD

Want to learn about Bipolar disorder?

Get instant answers from our AI health assistant

Ask Now

Recommended for you

If you’ve been sexually assaulted, it’s not your fault and you’re not alone.

What everyone should know about sexual violence
Article

Seasonal affective disorder can occur in the spring and summer as well as the fall and winter.

Why does springtime make some people depressed?
Article

Learn what increases the odds that you or a loved one will experience major depressive disorder.

8 risk factors for major depressive disorder
Article

Learn how to feel energized after lunch—without coffee.

6 ways to beat the afternoon slump
Slideshow

A support network can help you prepare for the mental, emotional, and practical challenges of TNBC treatment.

TNBC: building your support network
Article
AskMDHow can I be more consistent?
AskMD by Sharecare LogoAskMD by Sharecare Logo
Privacy policyConsumer health data privacyTerms of use
Cookie policyYour privacy choices

© 2026 Sharecare, Inc.

ask-mdask-md
AskMD by Sharecare LogoAskMD by Sharecare Logo
Privacy policyConsumer health data privacyTerms of use
Cookie policyYour privacy choices

© 2026 Sharecare, Inc.