Unipolar Depression vs. Bipolar Diagnosis
Definition of Mood Disorders Including Bipolar Disorder and Depression
Mar 31, 2009
Mood Disorders are conditions that have as their defining feature a mood disturbance.
There are three types of mood disorders:
- Depressive Disorders (also known as "Unipolar Depression");
- Bipolar Disorders; and
- Other Mood Disorders.
What are the Depressive (Unipolar) Disorders?
The three Depressive Disorders are:
- Major Depressive Disorder;
- Dysthymic Disorder; and
- Depressive Disorder Not Otherwise Specified.
What are the Bipolar Disorders?
The four Bipolar Disorders are:
- Bipolar I Disorder;
- Bipolar II Disorder;
- Cyclothymic Disorder;
- Bipolar Disorder Not Otherwise Specified.
What Are the "Other" Mood Disorders?
There are three Mood Disorders classified as “Other”:
- Mood Disorder Due to a General Medical Condition;
- Substance-Induced Mood Disorder; and
- Mood Disorder Not Otherwise Specified.
How Mood Disorders are Diagnosed
The diagnosis of a mood disorder is based on the presence, absence, history and duration of mood disturbances known as “Mood Episodes.” There are four different Mood Episodes. They are:
- Major Depressive Episode;
- Manic Episode;
- Mixed Episode, and;
- Hypomanic Episode.
Mood Episodes are not diagnoses in themselves, but they are used to make a diagnosis of a specific Mood Disorder.
The Determining Factor in Diagnosing Bipolar Disorder vs. Unipolar Depressive Disorders
Depressive Disorders are diagnosed when there are problems of depressed mood, without a history of any manic episodes, hypomanic episodes, or mixed episodes.
Bipolar Disorders are diagnosed when there is the presence or history of even one manic, hypomanic, or mixed episode. In the Bipolar Disorders there is usually — but not always — the presence or history of one or more Major Depressive Episodes as well.
What is a Major Depressive Episode?
The hallmark of a Major Depressive Episode is a seriously depressed and teary mood that is a contrast to the person’s usual mood and lasts for a period of two weeks.
The depressed mood must be present almost all of the time. A loss of interest in most activities and things that were once considered pleasurable is another hallmark of a Major Depressive Episode. This can be so debilitating as to interfere with a person’s functioning and can lead to suicide or thoughts of suicide.
What is a Manic Episode?
A Manic Episode involves the onset of an abnormally elevated or irritable mood. The mood could be euphoric or high, and may seem appealing at first glance. But the euphoria in a Manic Episode is clearly excessive and results in overly active and often harmful behaviors in the work setting and in relationships. The individual may also lose touch with reality and become delusional. Sleep is often disrupted.
What is a Mixed Episode?
If the criteria for a Major Depressive Episode and a Manic Episode are present every day for a week, it is classified as a Mixed Episode.
What is a Hypomanic Episode?
A Hypomanic Episode is similar to a Manic Episode that must last at least four days and must be a marked difference from the person’s usual personality. However, it is not severe enough to cause serious problems and the person does not lose touch with reality.
If the specific criteria for one or more Mood Episodes are met, a Mood Disorder may be diagnosed.
There is Hope for People Suffering From Mood Disorders
People experiencing the type of mood dysregulation described here can suffer tremendously. But many people overcome Mood Disorders and learn how to cope with them, so that they can make satisfying lives that they want for themselves. Psychotherapy and/or medication can help. In many states, insurance companies are required to pay for this care, just as they would for any other medical condition.
Source:
- American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual Of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV)
Anyone experiencing troubling symptoms should seek the advice of a medical or mental health professional. The information in this article is for information purposes only and is not a substitute for personal medical or mental health care.
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