Feature
Bipolar I
Bipolar II
Elevated Mood
Full Mania
Severe, disruptive
Hypomania
Elevated, but milder
Episode Duration
7+ days (mania)
4–6 days (hypomania)
Hospitalization
Often required
Not required
Depression
Common, not required for diagnosis
Required for diagnosis; often predominant
Psychosis Risk
Can occur during mania
Rare
Diagnosis
Often more identifiable
Frequently misdiagnosed as depression
Impairment
Marked — affects work, relationships
Less obvious, but significant over time
What they share
Both are lifelong conditions requiring ongoing management. Both respond well to mood stabilizers and psychotherapy. Both carry a meaningful risk of depressive episodes — and both can be successfully managed, allowing people to live full and productive lives.