Summary of Prof. Robert Sapolsky's Explanation of Bipolar II Disorder
Sapolsky begins by reviewing Bipolar I disorder , a severe psychiatric illness characterized by alternating periods of mania and depression . During mania, people may experience extreme energy, little need for sleep, rapid speech and thoughts, grandiosity, poor judgment, and sometimes psychosis. Bipolar I is associated with abnormalities in circadian rhythms and an extreme sensitivity to reward and motivation systems , and it is highly heritable. He then turns to Bipolar II disorder , often considered the "younger sibling" of Bipolar I. At first glance, Bipolar II appears to be a milder form of the same illness. Instead of full mania, individuals experience hypomania , which involves: Increased energy and productivity Reduced need for sleep Greater confidence, optimism, and sociability More talkativeness and creativity Numerous ideas and plans Unlike the destructive mania of Bipolar I, hypomania may initially seem beneficial or even advantageous. Sapolsky notes that...