Bipolar Type II Disorder is a subtle disease not so easily recognized and quite difficult to diagnose.  It is characterised by hypomania, which is a milder form of mania. Hypomanic people appear dramatic and lively in temperament. When they are not in a depressed phase they seem very happy, with lots of energy, need very little sleep and are generally much fun to be with. Thus, the hypomania can easily be overlooked and attributed to a cheerful disposition. Moreover, no one runs to the doctor because of too much happiness. So what is the downside to hypomania? Well, it can seriously impair a person’s judgement because their exuberance and over-confidence can lead to decisions which are potentially catastrophic, like extravagant spending due to an inflated sense of power and ability.

Furthermore, hypomania is often an unstable state that cycles into periods of depression. And these periods of depression can be potentially fatal because 10 to 20 percent of patients commit suicide.