Depression.com

Bipolar Disorder: A Different Medical Condition

Some people with depression have other bothersome symptoms as well. These symptoms could include racing thoughts, decreased sleep, and depression that keeps coming back or isn’t well controlled with medication.

These symptoms sometimes are a sign of a different type of mood disorder called bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is also called manic-depression. It can affect a person’s ability to experience a normal range of moods. People with bipolar disorder have mood episodes that can range from very low to very high.

Bipolar depression is different from major depressive disorder. It usually requires different treatments. That’s why the right diagnosis is so important.

The word “bipolar” is now used to indicate the two emotional “poles,” or extremes, that people can feel. There are four main types of symptoms that people with bipolar disorder can have:

Depression

• Most people feel sad from time to time. People with bipolar disorder may feel so sad (depressed) that they can have trouble living a normal life. They may not want to get out of bed or eat. Sometimes they cannot enjoy the things they liked before.
• Bipolar disorder can come back again. Worst of all, a person with bipolar disorder may begin to think of suicide.

Mania

• Mania is the other side of bipolar disorder. Manic episodes can range from mild to severe. Mania can start with a good feeling such as high energy. But then it may soon change to very great highs or irritability. Sometimes it can lead to arguments with family members or friends. Some people can even become violent.

Hypomania

• Most of the signs of hypomania are the same as mania, but milder. A person may feel better than usual or irritable. He or she may even be more productive. But the “feel-good” period can turn into mania or depression.

Mixed Mood Episodes

• During mixed episodes, signs of mania and depression can happen at the same time or flip-flop throughout the day.

For more information about bipolar disorder, including treatment options for bipolar depression, visit Bipolar.com.