@suzleigh That is a very good question. Many people find it difficult to distinguish between the subsets.

A person who has been evaluated and diagnosed with Bipolar 1 generally demonstrates more extreme episodes of very high energy and elevated moods, racing thoughts and behaviors such as grandiosity. These are frequently referred to as manic episodes. They may exhibit a decreased need for sleep, engage in what some would see as risky activities (such as drinking, driving recklessly) or report visual or auditory hallucinations. Not infrequently, hospitalization is required for stabilization through medication adjustments.

People who are suffering from bipolar 2 demonstrate lower extremes of such episodes, as such they’re referred to as “hypomania” or may not report similar symptoms. However, they may cycle through periods of depression that can be very disruptive to daily functioning.

Both types require professional evaluation and different types of medication, often combination meds that may need to be trialed and changed according to the individual response over time.

Did that help to answer your question?