Which type of bipolar disorder involves experiencing less extreme manic phases?

Bipolar II disorder is characterized by the presence of at least one major depressive episode and at least one hypomanic episode, which is a less severe form of mania. In hypomania, the elevated mood or irritability is not as intense as in full-blown mania. Individuals with Bipolar II do experience heightened energy and activity levels, but these symptoms do not reach the extreme levels associated with manic episodes seen in Bipolar I disorder. This distinction is crucial in differentiating between the two types of bipolar disorder.

While Bipolar I disorder includes one or more manic episodes that can be severe and may require hospitalization, Bipolar II maintains a more manageable level of mania, making it less disruptive to daily functioning and often leading to a delay in diagnosis. Other options like Generalized Bipolar Disorder do not exist in clinical terminology, and Cyclothymic Disorder, while involving cycles of mood disturbances, consists of periods of hypomania and depressive symptoms that don't meet criteria for full depressive episodes.