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Symptoms Of Bipolar Depression - Manic Depression Vs. Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a mood disorder and a mental illness that cause cycling between alternating periods of depression and periods of abnormal self-pruning, or hyperactivity. The manic episodes of bipolar often resemble major depression. They also frequently include euphoria, racing thoughts, profuse sweating and an inability to sleep. The symptoms of bipolar disorder are similar to those of major depression, except for the euphoria. However, people with bipolar disorder usually do not experience the feelings of hopelessness, helplessness or guilt that people with major depression feel. Most of the time, people with bipolar disorder do not have isolated episodes of sadness or anxiety.

People with hypomania experience mood swings that are less severe than those of either bipolar disorder or major depression. They do not usually have periods of hypomania that last for days or weeks. People with hypomania may experience one hypomanic episode and at least one episode of mixed episodes. Symptoms of hypomania are: less severe mood swings, increased energy and activity, racing thoughts and speech difficulties, feelings of irritability and detachment, a marked decrease in sleep quality, and an obsession with personal appearance. People with hypomania sometimes have rapid speech and respond to circumstances more capably than people with either depression or hypomania.

Bipolar disorder symptoms usually begin to occur during late adolescence or early adulthood. Most people with this disorder experience some periods when they feel extremely happy and unusually capable of handling things. But other times, these feelings of high emotion are accompanied by feelings of guilt, hopelessness, a sense of worthlessness, and other types of discomfort, such as irritability and detachment. When they aren't feeling well, people with bipolar disorder often don't seem able to control their behavior.

The symptoms of bipolar disorder can be difficult to spot early on in the illness. Experts believe that this is because symptoms of bipolar disorder can mimic the symptoms of other illnesses or even be a result of other problems in the individual's life. In addition, other mental health professionals believe that early symptoms of bipolar disorder are commonly misdiagnosed as signs of depression. Because the condition is so similar to other mental health issues, it can be hard to tell when someone may be suffering from depression and when they could be suffering from bipolar disorder.

Bipolar depression symptoms typically occur in cycles. There are four common phases of depression that occur in approximately four percent of all cases. These cycles include: Bipolar Depression (also known as Manic Depression or Rapid Cycling) is the first stage of a depressive episode. It is characterized by feelings of sadness, irritability, a decreased interest in everyday activities, and the inability to establish and maintain stable relationships. Bipolar Disorder often begins in early adulthood or early adolescence, but may also begin in late adolescence or even early adulthood. While most individuals will experience at least one depressive episode during this phase, more than half of all cases will end with major depression as well as suicide attempts.

During the second phase of Bipolar Depression, the symptoms of bipolar disorder tend to worsen. Individuals will likely be experiencing more irritability, will be unable to sleep, and may resort to using drugs and/or alcohol to escape the reality of their misery. They may also feel helpless and lose interest in any and all social contacts. At this point, there is a greater chance of suicide attempts. This phase of Bipolar Depression typically last two weeks to six weeks. If left untreated, it is possible for people to suffer from this phase for years and never feel better.

The third phase of Bipolar Depression is known as hypomania and is also the most common. When it affects adults, hypomanic symptoms tend to occur in five to ten percent of the cases. The symptoms of hypomania are similar to those of clinical depression but are less severe. Mood swings are not as severe and hypomania does not lead to suicide attempts as does manic depression. Most of the time, individuals who are experiencing hypomania have normal or above average intelligence and have excellent employment opportunities.

While there are many people who suffer from Bipolar Disorder, the symptoms are not easily dismissed as either mania or depression. If left untreated, they can lead to serious health complications, such as a reduction in the number of eggs produced, possible heart disease, and a decrease in overall well-being. It is important that if someone you know or yourself shows the symptoms of Bipolar Disorder that treatment be sought as quickly as possible. It is possible to live a relatively normal life despite having Bipolar Disorder, but it takes consistent treatment and to receive regular therapy sessions with a licensed psychiatrist. Even with treatment, many people with Bipolar Disorder have a difficult time coping with day to day life, which means that they will need the help and assistance of family and friends to make sure that they get the treatment they need, which is crucial to their mental and physical health.

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