In this article, the major differences between depression and bipolar disorder are explained. To understand this, let us consider two mental states.
Depression is characterized by a state of low mood that lasts for several weeks. It is commonly confused with simple sadness, but it is a degenerate mental state. Anyone can be depressed, regardless of age, gender or race.
Bipolar disorder is characterized by one or more episodes of mania or hypomania, often accompanied by a history of one or more major depressive episodes.
Depression and Bipolar Disorder
Depression is a prolonged state of low mood and sadness. It can last for weeks, months, even years if it goes undiagnosed. It is also known as major depressive disorder or clinical depression. Depression is more prevalent in women as seen in different cultures and countries. Women talk more about their feelings and express their feelings more often than men. Depression is more difficult for men to admit, as they tend to hide or hide their feelings. Men usually show anger and rage more than sadness. A depressed person may immerse themselves in work or a variety of other addictions that involve risk-taking behaviour.
Bipolar disorder/mood disorder, on the other hand, is more cyclical: it can swing from a high elated feeling to feeling low, worthless/worthless. It is also known as manic depression. One should be concerned if a person seems to have small cyclical changes in their or someone else's mood. For example, from depressed, shelled, numb, guilty or withdrawn states to extremes of anger, on the go, extravagant, 24X7, with little need for sleep.
Bipolar disorder is usually a combination of both mania and hypomania. Manic behavior occurs when a person experiences an unusually drastic change in their mood as a result of excitement, high energetic activity levels, excessive talkativeness, or irritation. Other symptoms of a manic phase can be feelings of grandiosity such as increased self-esteem, extreme haste, increased distractibility, reduced need for sleep, and racing thoughts, distraction, and an inability to perform daily tasks easily.
On the other hand, hypomania is characterized by...
The time to onset can range from a few days to weeks. This makes bipolar disorder more complex than depression and at times more confusing than depression itself.
What are the types of depression?
There are mainly nine types of depression, one of which is bipolar disorder. Let's take a look at the different types of depression:
Major depression/major depressive disorder
- Bipolar disorder
- Seasonal Depression / Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
- PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder)
- atypical depression
- persistent depression
- depressive psychosis
- situational depression
- peripartum/postpartum depression
What are the types of bipolar disorder (BD)?
Since bipolar disorder is a combination of symptoms, it is classified according to the following types of combinations:
BD-I: A person may go through one or more episodes of mania (a state of intense energy and exaggerated behavior). Issues of episodic hypomania (low or low energy levels than normal) and major depression may occur before or after the manic episode.
BD-II: One or more hypomania and major depressive episodes may be experienced. The person may not experience severe mania.
Cyclothymic disorder: The person may experience multiple episodes of hypomania and episodes of depression that are less severe. According to the norm, someone can have these episodes without having all the extreme symptoms of high and depression.
Others: Mood cycles can be severe due to drug abuse, alcoholism, or another illness.
Symptomatic Differences Between Depression and Bipolar Disorder
Any type of depression can be caused by many factors. Diagnosis should be made as soon as possible by a qualified experienced professional. Mental disorders are taboo in many societies and countries, and no one should be ashamed of them. Everyone should know that depression is a mood disorder and it can happen to anyone, like common cold, cough or flu.
Here are some of the signs and symptoms of depression and bipolar disorder to better differentiate between the two:
symptoms of depression
If one experiences frequent episodes of the following:
- feeling sad, low or hopeless, uncontrollable - crying, feeling blue,
- Restlessness, sometimes anxiety.
- You have a pessimistic mindset and are hard on yourself.
- You count your failures more than your achievements.
- Blame yourself without any reason.
- Fear of future failure and criticism.
- Lack of concentration or inability to concentrate on a task for long periods of time.
- Pushing yourself to work and a significant loss of work efficiency.
- Often find themselves in a state of confusion and inability to make decisions.
- Physical lethargy and lack of motivation to exercise.
- Persistent headache without any explanation.
- Self-isolation, reluctance to socialize.
- suicidal thoughts or thoughts of suicide
- History of suicide attempts.
Maintaining a mood diary can help track and not miss a diagnosis. If these symptoms persist for more than two (02) weeks, seek professional help.
Symptoms of bipolar disorder
These are more complex, as they vary with the type of bipolar disorder. There are three basic symptoms: depression, hypomania, and mania. It is a combination of all the three in varying proportions.
When should I see a doctor?
If you have the above symptoms and notice a significant impact in your daily routine and thinking patterns, seek professional help. Don't be shy to consult a doctor or get treatment. An evaluation is never a bad idea, as it will determine the cause of your symptoms and help you lead a healthier life. Also, it is preferred to take help from your loved ones to help you visit the doctor.
Many people find it difficult to get medical help for such mental health conditions. This is due to social stigma and shame. It is important to stop the social stigma and help each other by meeting with mental conditions.
Call emergency care if you experience such signs and symptoms of extreme sadness, feeling low or lonely, or feeling suicidal. There are many suicide helplines to help you stop self-harm. You can also call your local helpline.
What Causes Depression and Bipolar Disorder?
Depression is caused
Biological changes in the brain due to stress, malnutrition, emotional neglect, emotional trauma, changes in brain chemical function (neurotransmitters), hormonal changes, and family history or any other disruptive cause.
What causes bipolar disorder
Chemical imbalances cause functional and certain biochemical changes in the brain and genetic effects. The cause of this type of mental disorder can be genetic and/or non-genetic. There are psychosocial theories for the development of mood disorders.
In bipolar disorder, usually, the mood swings are rapid. However, if the mood swings occur more than four times a year, it is known as rapid cycling. Bipolar disorder greatly affects a person's livelihood, as it causes an impaired perception of situations and an inability to think clearly. Thus, negatively affecting their social functioning.
How are they diagnosed?
The following are some of the tests your doctor may perform to diagnose depression:
physical assessment.
blood test.
Psychiatric questionnaire for assessment. such as the PHQ-9 or GAD-7
DSM-5, ICD-10 Criteria Checklist.
In the case of children, diagnosis becomes more difficult, as children are usually diagnosed with other mental health conditions that have similar signs and symptoms. Some of these are attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and behavioral problems.
How are they treated?
Depression
The most effective treatments for most people with depression are medication and psychotherapy. You may be given medicines to ease the symptoms. Consulting a psychiatrist or psychologist is beneficial. If you have life-threatening depression, it may be wise to seek admission for appropriate care. It is very important to continue the medication under consultation with a psychiatrist as per the dosage and duration of the medication. Do not suddenly stop taking the medicine on your own or mix the medicine. Taking psychiatric medication and using alcohol, nicotine or any other psychoactive drug is harmful.
Some of these common medicines that may be prescribed are:
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
- Atypical antidepressant.
- Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).
- Tricyclic antidepressants.
- Antidepressant enhancers.
Bipolar disorder
The treatment is carried out by doctors and nurses of the psychiatry department. Treatment is given for symptomatic management. The doctor will evaluate the stages and severity of the disorder and take necessary action accordingly. Commonly given treatments are as follows:
Medicines.
Maintenance treatment to avoid recurrence.
Day treatment programs that include counseling and psychosocial support.
De-addiction if necessary. This is only if you are used to, or addicted to, alcohol or drugs.
Hospitalization is based on severity. This may be necessary for any type of bipolar disorder.
How to prevent depression and bipolar disorder?
Follow these listed tips to try and prevent depression:
- stress management.
- Seek help from loved ones.
- Get treatment as soon as possible if any signs and symptoms appear.
- Avoid recurrence by following up with your doctor for years to come.
However, bipolar disorder certainly cannot be prevented. You can monitor and monitor symptoms. Seek prompt medical attention to prevent the condition from worsening.
Conclusion
Mental health is as important as physical health. A mental disorder should be treated as any other illness and treated in the same way. Getting help as soon as possible is the key to treatment. Early diagnosis buys time for further diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
If you feel mentally ill or feel like your loved one needs help, celebrate and help them. Therapy, counseling, and medications can definitely treat depression and make life better to live.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question. Are depression and bipolar disorder different?
Yes, they are two different situations. For easy reference a major depressive disorder is also referred to as depression. While bipolar disorder is a type of depression with manic phases.
Question. When should we call for emergency help?
Call for help right away if you have thoughts of suicide. You can also call upon your guru or spiritual guide. If you have a family member who recently attempted suicide, be with them. It is important to have a positive influence on them. Do not leave the person alone, unattended. Keep sharp objects, weapons, loose wires, medicines, cleaning agents away from the person's vicinity. Seek medical help as soon as possible. If you feel mentally ill or feel like your loved one needs help, convince them and help them. Therapy, counseling, and medications can definitely treat depression and make life better to live.
Question. Are depression and bipolar disorder different?
Yes, they are two different situations. For easy reference a major depressive disorder is also referred to as depression. While bipolar disorder is a type of depression with manic phases.
Question. When should we call for emergency help?
Call for help right away if you have thoughts of suicide. You can also call upon your guru or spiritual guide. If you have a family member who recently attempted suicide, be with them. It is important to have a positive influence on them. Do not leave the person alone, unattended. Keep sharp objects, weapons, loose wires, medicines, cleaning agents away from the person's vicinity. Get medical help as soon as possible.
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