What is the difference between being depressed and being bipolar

A depressive episode involves five or more symptoms. They last most or all of the day for two weeks or more. The symptoms include:. If you have bipolar disorder, you may alternate between depression and hypomania or mania. You may also have periods in between when you have no symptoms. This is called a mixed bipolar state. Severe mania can cause delusions and hallucinations. Poor judgment during a manic episode can lead to alcohol and drug abuse.

Mania lasts at least a week and is intense enough to cause major problems. People who have it often need hospitalization. Anyone can have depression. Environmental and psychological factors may also increase your risk. The exact cause of bipolar disorder is unknown. The symptoms usually become noticeable during adolescence or early adulthood, but it can appear later in life.

Accurate analysis of your symptoms is the only way to arrive at the correct diagnosis. Your doctor will need a complete medical history. You should also list all the medications and supplements you take. No specific diagnostic test is available to help your doctor determine if you have bipolar disorder or depression. But your doctor may want to order tests to rule out other conditions that can mimic depression.

These tests might include physical and neurological exams, lab tests, or brain imaging. Antidepressants are the main treatment for depression. Going to talk therapy is also a good idea. Electroconvulsive therapy sends electrical impulses to the brain, resulting in seizure activity.

The side effects include confusion and some memory loss. Both conditions usually require a combination of medications plus some form of psychotherapy. Doctors often recommend cognitive behavioral therapy. In some cases, family therapy may prove helpful. Although bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, you can manage your mood swings and other symptoms by following a treatment plan.

In most cases, bipolar disorder is treated with medications and psychological counseling psychotherapy. Bipolar disorder care at Mayo Clinic. There are several types of bipolar and related disorders. They may include mania or hypomania and depression. Symptoms can cause unpredictable changes in mood and behavior, resulting in significant distress and difficulty in life. Bipolar II disorder is not a milder form of bipolar I disorder, but a separate diagnosis. While the manic episodes of bipolar I disorder can be severe and dangerous, individuals with bipolar II disorder can be depressed for longer periods, which can cause significant impairment.

Although bipolar disorder can occur at any age, typically it's diagnosed in the teenage years or early 20s. Symptoms can vary from person to person, and symptoms may vary over time. Mania and hypomania are two distinct types of episodes, but they have the same symptoms. Mania is more severe than hypomania and causes more noticeable problems at work, school and social activities, as well as relationship difficulties.

Mania may also trigger a break from reality psychosis and require hospitalization. A major depressive episode includes symptoms that are severe enough to cause noticeable difficulty in day-to-day activities, such as work, school, social activities or relationships. An episode includes five or more of these symptoms:. Signs and symptoms of bipolar I and bipolar II disorders may include other features, such as anxious distress, melancholy, psychosis or others.

The timing of symptoms may include diagnostic labels such as mixed or rapid cycling. In addition, bipolar symptoms may occur during pregnancy or change with the seasons.

Symptoms of bipolar disorder can be difficult to identify in children and teens. It's often hard to tell whether these are normal ups and downs, the results of stress or trauma, or signs of a mental health problem other than bipolar disorder.

Children and teens may have distinct major depressive or manic or hypomanic episodes, but the pattern can vary from that of adults with bipolar disorder.

And moods can rapidly shift during episodes. Some children may have periods without mood symptoms between episodes. The most prominent signs of bipolar disorder in children and teenagers may include severe mood swings that are different from their usual mood swings. Despite the mood extremes, people with bipolar disorder often don't recognize how much their emotional instability disrupts their lives and the lives of their loved ones and don't get the treatment they need.

And if you're like some people with bipolar disorder, you may enjoy the feelings of euphoria and cycles of being more productive. However, this euphoria is always followed by an emotional crash that can leave you depressed, worn out — and perhaps in financial, legal or relationship trouble. If you have any symptoms of depression or mania, see your doctor or mental health professional.

Bipolar disorder doesn't get better on its own. Getting treatment from a mental health professional with experience in bipolar disorder can help you get your symptoms under control.

Suicidal thoughts and behavior are common among people with bipolar disorder. If you have thoughts of hurting yourself, call or your local emergency number immediately, go to an emergency room, or confide in a trusted relative or friend. If you have a loved one who is in danger of suicide or has made a suicide attempt, make sure someone stays with that person. Call or your local emergency number immediately. Or, if you think you can do so safely, take the person to the nearest hospital emergency room.

The effect of a mental health condition on daily life will vary from person to person. Not everyone experiences changes in their life and relationships in the same way. Severe mental illness does not equate with failure or an inability to achieve, and some people may experience positive outcomes from their condition. During hypomania, for example, high energy, creativity, and confidence are symptoms that some people find useful.

However, treatment is essential for both conditions. Anyone who notices signs of either bipolar disorder or depression in a friend or family member should try to connect them with local services to help treat the condition. Doctors often prescribe medications and counseling, but diet can also make a difference. Depression is a common mental health problem that involves a low mood and a loss of interest in activities.

Learn more about the symptoms, different…. Bipolar disorder causes shifts in a person's mood and energy levels. It is usually manageable with a correct diagnosis and suitable treatment and…. Bipolar II disorder involves episodes of elevated mood and depression. Learn how it differs from bipolar I, how to recognize it, and which treatments….

The debate over whether antidepressants can really help to tackle depression has been rife. We take a closer look at the evidence. The differences between bipolar disorder and depression. Medically reviewed by Timothy J. Legg, Ph. Differences Causes and symptoms Diagnosis Treatment Management Bipolar disorder and depression are mental health conditions that share similar features but are separate medical conditions.

Share on Pinterest People with major depressive disorder do not experience hypomanic or manic episodes. These episodes are features of bipolar disorder. Causes and symptoms. Share on Pinterest Depression might lead to loss of appetite. Share on Pinterest A support network can be central to managing bipolar disorder and depression.

Exposure to air pollutants may amplify risk for depression in healthy individuals. Costs associated with obesity may account for 3. Related Coverage. What foods are good for helping depression? What is depression and what can I do about it?