How to Tell the Difference Between Depression and Bipolar Disorder

Mood disorders are psychiatric illnesses and serious medical conditions that are characterized by moods and emotional responses that are either inappropriate or disproportionate to the prevailing circumstances. There are two primary types of mood disorder: depression and bipolar disorder. Depression is characterized by sustained depressed mood and affect, while individuals with bipolar disorder undergo periods of depression alternating with periods of highly elevated mood known as mania.

It is normal to feel disappointed when one loses a contest or a school election that one hoped to win. But it is not normal to feel so sad about the loss that one cries uncontrollably and cannot get out of bed in the morning. A person with such out of proportion responses may be suffering from depression. Likewise, it is normal to grieve for a loved one who passes away. But when several months elapse and the grief is still interfering with an individual's ability to meet the demands of daily life, then it is possible that the grief has evolved into a depressive disorder. On the other side of the mood equation, it is desirable to "feel good." But when one's feelings of energy and excitement lead a person to skip sleep and engage in risky behavior, then that person may be suffering from mania.

Sometimes, it is difficult to distinguish normal sadness or excitement from depression and mania. And, at times, it can be difficult to distinguish depression from bipolar disorder, particularly when a bipolar individual is passing through a "depressed" period.

Although depression and bipolar disorder are both mood disorders, they differ in some very important ways. For instance, it seems that each disorder arises from a different part of the brain or a different imbalance of chemicals. As a result, different medications are used to treat the two disorders. While those with depressants are usually treated with a class of drugs known as anti-depressants, those suffering from bipolar disorder are generally treated with medications known as mood stabilizers. In addition, depression may recur throughout one's lifetime or an individual may suffer one episode and never experience a depressive interlude again. Bipolar disorder, on the other hand, cannot be "cured." It is expected that an individual diagnosed with bipolar disorder will be under treatment for the condition for the rest of his or her life.

Regardless of the differences between the two disorders, they are both serious mental illnesses which require treatment by professionals. Both depression and bipolar disorder can seriously impair an individual's functioning in everyday life and even lead to death through suicide or as the result of engaging in dangerous behavior as a result of the illness. Whenever a mood disorder is suspected, a medical professional or a psychologist or social worker with expertise in such illnesses should be consulted immediately.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• observation skills
• if needed, a referral to a psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker or other professional with expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of mood disorders

1. Observe your own behavior or that of the friend or family member whom you suspect of having a mood disorder. Are your emotional responses--or those of your friend or family member--either inappropriate or out of proportion? Do these responses interfere with normal social interaction or the ability to function at work, school, or home on a daily basis? If so, try to identify specifically which emotional responses and moods seem "abnormal" and make a mental inventory--or better yet write a list--of the ways in which they interfere with normal, everyday functioning.

2. Take note of any symptoms of depressions. These include: fatigue; inability to enjoy activities that formerly gave one pleasure; diminished appetite; inability to sleep or disturbed sleep patterns; crying jags that occur for nor apparent reason; lack of focus or concentration; feelings of guilt, hopelessness, and worthlessness; and a feeling of "heaviness" in the limbs. A depressed person may have difficulty getting out of bed, have problems with chronic lateness, seem unable to follow conversation or be uninterested in what others have to say, or begin to neglect personal grooming tasks such as showering, changing clothes, and brushing the hair and teeth. In extreme cases, a depressed person may state a desire to hurt himself or herself and may actually engage in self-harming activities, ranging from self-cutting to suicide attempts and completed suicide.

3. If you have noticed symptoms of depression, observe when they occur and determined whether they persist or instead seem to alternate with other mood states. Does the person in question exhibit symptoms of depression for a period of days and then begin to act differently? If so, the person may be exhibiting mania. Symptoms of mania include: rapid speech; racing thoughts; impulsive behavior; a euphoric mood; sustained bursts of energy that seem to remove the need for sleep; intrusively flirtatious behavior; and feeling of grandiosity that include a compulsion to undertake and complete "great plans."

4. If you observe symptoms that you think are consistent with either depression or mania, consider the following questions? Have the symptoms lasted for more than a few days? Are they out of character for the individual displaying them? Are they out of proportion to circumstances? Are they impairing the individual's functioning or do they seem likely to place the individual in a socially or physically dangerous situation? If the answer to any of these questions is "yes," then contact a mental health professional immediately.

Tips & Warnings

• There are several different forms of depression. To qualify as Major Depressive Order, an episode of depression must last at least two weeks and significantly interfere with the patient's functioning. A milder form of depression, known as dysthymia, is a chronic, low-grade depressive disorder that persists for at least two years. While its effects are not as acute as that of major depression, it can still interfere with the patient's enjoyment of life and ability to focus and concentrate. In addition, atypical depression is characterized by oversleeping and overeating, in contrast to other forms of depression which are often accompanied by insomnia and appetite loss.
• Bipolar disorder manifests itself in a number of ways. An individual with Bipolar I disorder will undergo periods of mania but may or may not experience alternating periods of major depression. An individual with Bipolar II disorder undergoes periods of milder mania, known as hypomania, as well as periods of depression. Individuals with cyclothymia experience alternating periods of hypomania and depression that is milder than that which characterizes a major depressive disorder.
• Many people associate bipolar disorder with "mood swings" and think of bipolar individuals who switch from mania and depression within minutes. However, the typical period of depression or mania lasts much longer than minutes or even days. Usually a bipolar episode, whether a manic or depressive episode, lasts three to six months, and an afflicted individual may only experience one or two episodes per year. However, there are some bipolar individuals known as "rapid cycling" who undergo episodes that are much more frequent and which alternate much more quickly. To qualify as a "rapid cycler" under psychiatric standards, a patient must undergo at least four discrete episodes per year. Sometimes, a rapid cycler can switch from depression to mania, or vice versa, in as little as 24 to 48 hours.
• If you suspect that you, or a friend or loved one, are suffering from depression, bipolar disorder, or any other mental illness, it is imperative that you seek professional medical help. A psychiatrist or other mental health specialist will be able to provide a definitive diagnosis and propose an appropriate course of treatment.
• Mood disorders do not just "go away," and people who suffer from depression or bipolar disorder do not just "get better." As with any illness, it is important that an individual with a mood disorder receive appropriate care from a trained professional.

[goodselfme]

on 8/31/2009 Valid points to consider medically observing the difference between bipolar and depressive states. 5*.Understanding is a must in any illness or condition, you will help many with this post.TX