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Bipolar Depression Facts

Bipolar depression is a way to describe the major depressive episode that is experienced as part of bipolar disorder. In an effort to understand bipolar depression, ideas about mania must also be discussed. Bipolar depression differs from unipolar depression in that there are characteristics of severe shifts in mood identifiable in a patient.

  1. Symptoms of Major Depression

    • Feeling chronically sad with a loss of interest or pleasure in activities is characteristic of a depressive mood episode. Other symptoms include constant irritability, changes in sleep and appetite patterns, sudden weight loss or gain, low motivation, poor hygiene, fatigue, hopelessness and suicidal thoughts, plans or gestures.

    Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

    • Undergoing episodes of both mania and depression is criteria for the diagnosis of bipolar disorder. Symptoms of mania include periods of high energy levels, inflated self esteem, euphoria, poor sleep, racing thoughts, pressured speech and short attention span. Individuals experiencing mania engage in high-risk behavior including excessive involvement in gambling, sexual activity, substance abuse or spending sprees with negative consequences.

    Diagnosis

    • Diagnosing bipolar depression would include the experience of both types of mood episodes (major depression and mania) during the course of the illness. Bipolar depression describes the downward shift in mood that is experienced by people with the mood disorder. Clinicians focus on presenting symptoms along with family history and functioning level when diagnosing patients. Bipolar depression can be very severe when coupled with suicidal thoughts.

    Treatment

    • Treating bipolar disorder generally includes the use of an anticonvulsant medication or a mood stabilizer. These types of medications minimize the shifts and fluctuations between mania and depression. If the bipolar depressive episodes are very severe and long-lasting, antidepressant medication may be used to lift depressed mood. Patients may need outpatient care for bipolar depression, although inpatient care can be considered if symptoms are life-threatening.

    Associated Risks

    • Recognizing and treating bipolar depression quickly is helpful in preventing risks that are linked to the diagnosis. Substance abuse can mimic bipolar disorder or patients may use drugs and alcohol to self-medicate symptoms. For example, being high on a stimulant such as cocaine can produce signs that resemble mania; coming down from the high can resemble an episode of major depression. Bipolar depression increases the risk of suicide in patients with this condition.

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