Differences Between Major Depression & Bipolar Disorder

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, major depression and bipolar disorder affect over 20 million American adults per year. While both mood disorders have overlapping traits, these are two distinct mental illnesses.

Identification

• Major depression occurs when someone has five or more symptoms of depression for at least two weeks. Bipolar disorder causes a person's moods to shift from extreme highs (mania) to extreme lows (depression).

Causes

• There is no single cause of major depression and bipolar disorder. Major depression is caused by a combination of factors, such as biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Factors that cause bipolar disorder include genetics and structuring of the brain.

Effects

• A person with major depression feels down constantly, may have difficulty sleeping and may have thoughts of bodily harm or suicide. Someone diagnosed with bipolar disorder feels depressed at times and manic at others and may feel euphoric, jumpy or have unrealistic expectations while manic.

Treatment

• Both major depression and bipolar disorder can be treated with antidepressants or psychotherapy. People with bipolar disorder may also be prescribed an antipsychotic medication.

Prognosis

• So long as people with major depression or bipolar disorder are treated and take any prescribed medications regularly, most symptoms can be minimized and may go away with time.