BIPOLAR DEPRESSION
Bipolar depression is more serious than unipolar depression and is usually genetic in origin. Research evidence shows us that it is inherited in most cases. The differences between bi-polar depression and a major depression is :
1. Bipolar depression is less common than major depression
2. Bipolar depression occurs with equal frequency in both sexes whereas major depression is more prevalent in women.
3. Those who are married or who have a close relationship are less likely to experience a major clinical depression Those factors make no difference to those with a bipolar depression.
4. People with major depression have low self esteem,but those with Bipolar disorder have history of hyperactivity.
5. In bi-polar depression, the depressive episodes are more likely to be Associated with slowing down or excessive sleep.
6. Bipolar depression is more likely to run in families than major Depression, i.e this is a genetic link.
The bipolar disorder usually starts in late adolescence with a manic episode. Following this, a variety of patterns can occur. The person might return to normality then fall into a depression, then return to normal and then back to mania and s on. The cycle varies in length between persons and cultures.
Some people experience mood changes without returning to normal states. We call this the rapid cycling stage.
A typical Case study
Jane is at college doing her vocational training for a career in health and Social Care. She is under pressure with her part time job, and coursework assignments. Her mum and dad separated when she was five year old and she was raised by her mother and older sister. Jane was very attached to her dad who died six years ago. Since then she has become very depressed which affected her college attendance and commitment to the course.She stays in bed, and has lost interest in socializing with her mates. Her MP 3 player is never used and she rarely uses her mobile to text friends. Her GP and then psychiatrist confirmed bipolar disorder. She answers in a monotone voice and in one word " Yes/No " answers. "I am going to be dead soon she tells others" Jane sees no point in going on with life . Suddenly one day her mood is remarkably better. She is on a high, talking non stop and showing lots of energy and taking part in activities. She moves with ease between one topic and another and intrudes in everyone's activities.The next day Jane is back to a low mood state.
Do read more on Bipolar depression on my link to the Royal College of Psychiatrists webpage and look over the easy to read facts sheets on a wide range of mental health issues.