Monopolar Vs. Bipolar

Monopolar (also called Unipolar) and Bipolar I disorders are mental health conditions. Clinically, these two types of mental illnesses are categorized as affective disorders and are characterized by disturbances in a person's mood, thoughts and behavior. There are two main types of affective disorders: Depression, which causes sadness, hopelessness and worthlessness; and mania, which causes joy, elation and over activity. Mental health conditions affect people in all nations, regardless of race, age, ethnicity and social class.

Differences

• Monopolar and Bipolar I disorders present similar symptoms so they are easily misdiagnosed. Bipolar I, also formerly called manic depression, has two distinct phases: a depressive phase and a manic phase. Those with Monopolar disorder experience excessive periods of depression, without a manic phase.

Signs

• Monopolar and Bipolar I disorder mostly surfaces in men and women between the ages of 25 and 44. Statistics show that 24 percent of the world's population of women and 15 percent of men will experience an episode of major depression in their lives. The symptoms of depression suffered by both those who have Monopolar or Bipolar I include difficulty concentrating and making decisions; decreased energy and persistent fatigue; low self-esteem, pessimism and apathy; irritability, anxiety and/or nervousness; social withdrawal, decreased sexual drive and a decreased appetite; trouble falling asleep, insomnia, or sleeping too much; as well as excessive drug/alcohol use and thoughts of suicide.

  Signs of mania that affect those with Bipolar I disorder include feeling edgy, short tempered or arrogant; speaking or dressing in an excessive or extreme manner; experiencing euphoria, delusions, hallucinations or feeling "high"; using inappropriate or poor judgment or displaying aggressive or violent behavior; having endless energy, an increased sex drive, sleeplessness and insomnia; thinking recklessly or in a disassociated way, racing thought patterns, spending irresponsibly, taking high risks and making decisions without considering the consequences.

Management

• The manic and depressive episodes caused by these disorders can make it difficult to function and hard to cope with everyday life. The key to managing these illnesses is to recognize when your life is becoming unmanageable and take immediate action. Seek help from a trusted member of your family or a friend. Contact your doctor or a health care professional who can help. Keep yourself "in the know" concerning your illness through research, resources and support groups. Be aware of your own personal crisis signs and work on discovering the best way to manage your symptoms.

Treatment

• The most important step in treatment is to find a qualified doctor or health care professional. Make sure you share all the information about your medical history and the symptoms of your illness with your doctor and continue to keep regular appointments, regardless of how you are feeling.

  A doctor or a qualified health care professional will be able to develop a treatment plan for you that may include medication; psychotherapy; individual, family or couples therapy; or Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) and/or hospitalization, in severe cases.

Support

• If you suspect that you may have Monopolar or Bipolar I disorder, try to identify a family member, loved one, or member of the clergy whom you trust to talk about your experiences. Next, seek medical attention from a well-qualified source. Finally, look for support groups in your community to share your journey and get information. Monopolar and Bipolar I disorders are different in diagnosis, but both are treatable, manageable illnesses that you do not have to face alone.