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Bipolar disorder and depression are both considered mood disorders. Bipolar disorder causes emotional highs and lows, while depression causes a constantly low mood.
The “bi” in the word “bipolar” means “two.” In bipolar disorder, you shift between two poles, or mood extremes. You have very high moods (called manic episodes) and very low moods (called depressive episodes).
Depression is considered unipolar. “Uni” means “one.” Depression features just one mood: a down or sad feeling that lasts for at least 2 weeks.
The depressive episodes in bipolar disorder can look just like those seen in major depression. The occurrence of at least one manic episode distinguishes unipolar depression from bipolar depression.
However, with bipolar disorder, you can have depressive episodes for many years before your first manic episode appears. And the wrong diagnosis can delay you from getting the treatment you need.
Symptoms of bipolar depression.
The depressive episodes in bipolar disorder are similar to major depression. Both conditions cause:
▪️extreme sadness or hopelessness
▪️feelings of restlessness or guilt
▪️poor sleep or sleeping too much
▪️loss of interest in things you once enjoyed
▪️difficulty focusing
▪️moving more slowly than usual
▪️feeling hungrier than usual (or the opposite, feeling a loss of appetite)
▪️weight gain (or weight loss when not dieting)
▪️decreased sex drive
In major depression, you have these symptoms most of the day almost every day for at least 2 weeks. Bipolar depression symptoms are also with you for most of the day every day. These symptoms can last for days to weeks.
The difference with bipolar disorder is that you also have episodes of mania, with symptoms like:
▪️a high mood
▪️racing thoughts
▪️increased energy
▪️less need for sleep
▪️irritability
Bipolar depression is different than major depression, even though they can look very similar. It might take time to arrive at the right diagnosis, especially if you have depressive episodes without manic episodes to start. Be patient, and be open with your treatment team. Report any new symptoms to your doctor.