Symptoms And Treatment Of Bipolar II - 1377 Words

In this paper I will provide an overview of bipolar II disorder, a personal case history, and treatment plans using solution-focused therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy to treat a client with bipolar II diagnosis. Bipolar II Disorder Bipolar II disorder is primarily characterized by states of hypomania and depression, which often impair a person’s ability to function in a social, work, or familial setting. Depression is more often an impairment than hypomania, and is frequently the reason a person might seek counseling. Earlier renditions of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) considered bipolar II disorder a lighter form of bipolar I disorder, noting that mania can†¦show more content†¦133). Individuals with hypomania may truly enjoy the sensations of increased aptitude and regret hypomania’s departure. Parker (2015) suggested that individuals experience hypomania as an enhanced state versus impaired (p. 112). Rarely will a counselor see a client in his or her hypomanic state. Depression is relentless and chronic for individuals diagnosed with bipolar II disorder. Parker (2015) stressed that the depression associated with bipolar II disorder is anything but mild, which makes bipolar II disorder not a lighter form of bipolar I disorder, but equally serious (p. 113). Although the DSM criteria for bipolar I and bipolar II depression is exactly the same, the depression associated with bipolar II disorder is often more chronic (American Psychiatric Association, 2013, p. 36) and has a higher risk of suicide (Parker, 2015, p. 118) than bipolar I disorder. American Psychiatric Association (2013) claimed that increased suicide attempts can be attributed to impulsivity (p. 136). Additionally, depression can and does impair the individual. Roberts, Sylvia, and Reilly-Harrington (2013) acknowledged that individuals diagnosed with bipolar II disorder will be chronically gripped by a rise and fall of depression throughout their life (p. 43). Depression in a client with bipolar II disorder will often be melancholic with the inability to complete tasks or enjoy interpersonal interactions. Bipolar II depression can include states of