Unipolar & Bipolar Depression

This article will explore two mood disorders, unipolar and bipolar disorders. While both of these disorders feature depression episodes there is a significant difference between the two. Learn about symptoms, causes and treatments for both disorders as well as explain the differences between them. Because both disorders share depression let us begin with unipolar disorder and move on to bipolar disorder.

Unipolar disorder is basically a depressive episode that has lasted for at least two weeks with the following symptoms; a depressed mood and noticeable loss of interest or pleasure in normal activities. The person may feel sad, empty, and dejected, anxious, agitated, angry, tearful or humiliated most of the day. Significant weight loss or weight gain may be experienced as well as sleep problems, fatigue or restlessness. They may have feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt. And may experience a loss of ability to think clearly or concentrate. Self-blame and a tendency to be unable to acknowledge positive qualities about themselves. Helplessness, and expecting negative outcomes and a general negative outlook are experienced. They may complain of headaches, dizziness, and general pain. Thoughts of death, suicidal ideation or suicide attempts may occur.

There are several findings or theories on the causes of depression. Some causes of depression can be stress related, especially due to events such as loss of a loved one. There are also biochemical factors which may play a part in depression, for instance an higher level of the stress hormone cortisol or a lack of melatonin have been linked to depression. In addition there has been a link between a low level of norepinephrine and serotonin chemicals in the brains of people who suffer from depression. There is consideration that the endocrine system and hormones may play a role in the development of depression. Studies have also shown a link to genetic factors in the possibility of depression. Evidence shows that people are more likely to become depressed if relatives also have suffered from depression.

There are several ways that unipolar disorder is treated. One form of treatment that has shown to be effective is electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) also known as electroshock therapy. This procedure is not without risks however, and has been known to cause temporary and sometimes permanent memory loss. The usage of this therapy has declined since the advancements of anti-depressant drugs. Another and most common form of treatment is that of medication, anti-depressants. There are three kinds, Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAO), Tricyclics, and Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI). Other treatments are therapy based such as psychodynamic treatments like free association, behavioral treatment such as positive behavior therapy, cognitive therapy which focuses on changing errors in thinking, or sociocultural treatments such as interpersonal psychotherapy and couples therapy.

Bipolar disorder is called so because it features depression and an element that acts in opposite of depression called mania. In order for the diagnosis of bipolar disorder to be made it must meet the criteria of having major depressive and manic episodes. Essentially a person who suffers from bipolar disorder will experience manic and depressive episodes in a cyclical nature. Understanding the role of depression, its symptoms, causes and treatments; this paper will now look at mania and its symptoms, causes and treatments.

A manic episode is an episode that lasts at least one week. Its symptoms are; feelings of self importance or exaggerated self esteem. Severe changes in mood, euphoric or angry. For example a person will exhibit a noticeable change in mood which may be exaggeratedly happy or exceedingly irritated that does coincide with their normal nature. They may feel as if they need to talk more than usual. They may report feeling as if their mind is racing and that they are easily distracted and increase their goal related activities. Excessive participation in risky activities such as spending money, sexual encounters, or investments not well thought out. They may move very quickly, talk fast, act in a flashy manner and sometimes have trouble staying connected with reality.

There are a few findings and theories on the causes of manic episodes. A possible cause could be overly high amounts of norepinephrine, the opposite effect on depression which seems to be influenced by a low amount of norepinephrine. Low levels of serotonin have also been linked to mania as well as depression which may suggest low levels of serotonin may be linked to mood disorders. Another consideration is the ions that surround the neurons in the brain; the theory is that ions may cause the neurons to fire too quickly resulting in mania or to slowly causing depression. Studies have also shown a genetic link to people having a higher likelihood of developing a bipolar disorder if major depressive disorders or other mood disorders occurred in relatives.

There are fewer options for treatment with bipolar disorder than unipolar disorder. Some medicines used for treatment of bipolar disorder are Lithium therapy which has had great success in treating bipolar disorder and anti-seizure drugs. Therapy is usually ineffective alone but is very helpful when combined with medications. The treatments consist of individual, group, or family therapy.