Understanding Depression and Bipolar Disorder: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Depression and Bipolar disorder are both mood disorders that impact the way people feel, think, and the way they behave. It’s essential to recognize that these disorders are not something one can simply solve and get rid of or just go away. Thinking this way can prevent you from seeking the necessary treatment to feel better. Without proper treatment, these symptoms can worsen and persist for longer periods, affecting various aspects of your life.
Depressive Disorders:
Depression is a mood disorder that can negatively affect your thoughts, emotions, and behavior. It often first appears in late adolescence or early adulthood but can strike at any age.
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Dysthymia: Dysthymia is a less severe form of depression characterized by long-term, chronic, low-grade depressive symptoms that can decrease your functioning and quality of life. It also increases the risk of experiencing a major depressive episode. Approximately 3-6% of the population is affected by dysthymia.
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Major Depressive Disorder: MDD requires having at least one major depressive episode and can be recurring. It’s more than just feeling down or sad; MDD is persistent and significantly disrupts one's daily life. Nearly 1 in 10 adults experiences MDD, with twice as many women affected as men.
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Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): SAD is a type of depression triggered by seasonal changes, often occurring during the winter months. Symptoms usually improve with the arrival of spring and summer.
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Postpartum Depression: Postpartum depression results from hormonal changes after childbirth and the stresses of parenting. An estimated 10-15% of women experience postpartum depression after giving birth to their child.
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Bipolar Disorders: Bipolar disorders are marked by extreme mood swings, including severe highs (mania) and lows (depression). These mood shifts can lead to unusual changes in your energy levels and ability to function. While everyone experiences ups and downs, bipolar symptoms are intense and represent a significant departure from your usual mood and behavior. Approximately 2.6% of the American population over the age of 18 has bipolar disorder in any given year. Bipolar typically emerges in late adolescence or early adulthood, but some individuals may develop symptoms earlier or later in life. Bipolar disorder is characterized by recurring episodes of mania and depression, with periods of stable mood in between.
What are the Types of Bipolar Disorders:
- Bipolar I- Characterized by one or more extreme manic episodes and one or more major depressive episodes.
- Bipolar II- Involves one or more episodes of hypomania (less severe Mania) and one or more major depressive episodes, often with periods of stable mood.
- NOS- Refers to bipolar disorders that do not follow a particular pattern.
- Cyclothymia- A milder form of bipolar disorder with multiple hypomanic episodes and less severe depressive episodes that alternate over at least two years.
- Rapid Cycling- This descriptor is used when a person with bipolar disorder experiences four or more manic, hypomanic, or depressive episodes within a year.
What are the Symptoms:
If you or someone you know is dealing with Bipolar disorder, you may have experienced some of many of the following manic symptoms. You may or may not have also experienced depressive symptoms. Individuals with depression typically experience the following depressive symptoms. Those with depression typically experience the below depressive symptoms for at least two weeks:
Depressive Symptoms:
- Prolonged sadness or unexplained crying spells
- Significant changes in appetite and sleep patterns.
- Irritability, anger, worry, agitation, restlessness.
- Pessimism and indifference.
- Loss of energy
- Feelings of worthlessness, helplessness, guilt, and hopelessness
- Difficulty concentrating and making clear decisions.
- Loss of interest in activities that used to be enjoyable
- Social withdrawal
- Unexplained aches and pains
- Recurring thoughts of death or suicide.
- Little or no interest in sexual activities.
- Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day.
- Weight loss or gain unrelated to dieting.
- Increased use of drugs and alcohol.
Symptoms of mania in Bipolar disorder:
- Increased energy and activity levels; feeling restless.
- Feeling excessively “high” or “good” (euphoric)
- Easy irritability
- Racing thoughts and face-paces, disjointed speech.
- Difficulty concentrating.
- Decreased need for sleep or not needing sleep at all.
- Unrealistic beliefs about one’s abilities and powers.
- Poor judgment
- Increased sexual drive.
- Substance abuse
- Provocative, intrusive, and aggressive behavior
- Denial of any behavioral changes.
Causes of Depression and Bipolar Disorder:
Depression:
Episodes of depression can be triggered by stressful events, such as marital problems or the loss of a loved one. Genetics can play a role in depression as well, and scientists are studying how neurotransmitters (chemicals in the brain) affect the condition. Environmental factors, including neglect, abuse, and life stressors, can also contribute. Chronic Medical Conditions like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes, as well as deficiencies in folic acid and B-12, are being investigated for their links to depression.
Bipolar Disorder:
Bipolar disorders tend to run in families, suggesting a genetic component. Researchers are exploring why individuals with bipolar disorder have smaller prefrontal cortexes (the brain region involved in executive functions) that do not function as well as those without bipolar disorder.
Treatment for Depression and Bipolar Disorder:
Depression: To treat depression often includes therapy, medication, or a combination of both. Untreated depression can lead to increased impairment, worsening symptoms, and even suicidal thoughts. Seeking treatment is crucial to improve relationships, employment, and overall quality of life.
Bipolar Disorder: Trying to manage bipolar disorder is a lifelong endeavor, much like managing other chronic conditions such as diabetes or heart disease. The common treatments are listed below:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: This therapy helps restructure negative thought patterns and provides strategies for managing mood disorder symptoms.
- Family-focused therapy: Gets the family involved to develop coping strategies, and improve communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Psychoeducation: Teaches you and your family about bipolar disorder, helping them recognize mood swings and when treatment is necessary.
- Medication: Various medications are available for the treatment of depression and bipolar disorder. Depending on your specific symptoms you should consult with your psychiatrist or primary care doctor to determine the most suitable treatment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are Depression and Bipolar Disorder?
Depression and Bipolar disorder are mood disorders that affect the way people think and behave and how they feel at certain times or for long periods. It’s important to understand that these conditions cannot be easily solved and often require treatment. They don’t just go away over time. It is better to seek help before it affects your relationships, school, or work performance.
Types of Bipolar Disorders?
There are different types of bipolar disorders, including Bipolar I, Bipolar II, Bipolar NOS (not otherwise specified), cyclothymia, and rapid cycling. Each has distinct characteristics.
What are the symptoms of Depression?
Common symptoms of depression include sadness, appetite changes, irritability, loss of energy, feelings of worthlessness, difficulty concentrating, social withdrawal, and thoughts of death or suicide.
Why is seeking treatment important?
Untreated depression can lead to worsened symptoms and even thoughts of suicide. Proper treatment can significantly improve one's overall quality of life. Moreover, managing bipolar disorder is a lifelong commitment.
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