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Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar I vs. Bipolar II: What’s the Difference?

Bipolar I symptoms may be more obvious to others, but bipolar II can be similarly challenging to live with.

Lauren Smith, MAMera Goodman, MD, FAAP
Written by Lauren Smith, MA | Reviewed by Mera Goodman, MD, FAAP
Updated on May 13, 2025
Featuring Susan Samuels, MD, Gail Saltz, MD, Ben Michaelis, PhDReviewed by Mera Goodman, MD, FAAP | May 13, 2025

When most people think of bipolar disease, they probably think of bipolar type I. There’s also bipolar type II, and the symptoms can be more subtle. In this video, learn about the differences between these types of bipolar disorder and how to recognize them.

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Lauren Smith, MA
Written by:
Lauren Smith, MA
Lauren Smith, MA, has worked in health journalism since 2017. Before joining GoodRx, she was the senior health editor and writer for HealthiNation.
Dr. Mera Goodman is a board-certified pediatrician. Prior to medicine, she worked as a management consultant.

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