Bipolar disorder (sometimes called manic-depressive) is different. If you do, you have extreme mood swings. You experience periods of depression (similar to those of MDD). But you also have periods of great ups and downs.
Depression and bipolar disorder can affect anyone. They are likely to be caused by many different factors that work together, including family history, biology, environment, life experiences, personality, and physical health problems. And if you're like some people with bipolar disorder, you might enjoy the feeling of euphoria and the cycles of being more productive. Scientists are currently conducting research to determine the relationship these factors have in bipolar disorder, how they can help prevent its occurrence, and what role they can play in its treatment.
Although bipolar disorder affects people assigned as female at birth (AFAB) and people assigned as male at birth (AMAB) in equal numbers, the condition tends to affect them differently. Bipolar disorder is considered one of the most inherited psychiatric conditions; more than two-thirds of people with bipolar disorder have at least one close biological relative with the condition. When people with bipolar disorder experience four or more manic or depressive episodes in a year, this is called a “rapid cycle.” To diagnose bipolar disorder, your doctor may perform a physical exam, conduct an interview, and order laboratory tests. Depressions of depression may be more obvious or recognizable, which can contribute to a misdiagnosis of depression.
Patients with bipolar II disorder tend to experience longer depressive episodes and shorter states of hypomania. In some cases, a person with bipolar depression may not mention manic symptoms to a doctor or therapist unless, or until, they become severe. Nancy Schimelpfening, MS is the administrator of the nonprofit depression support group Depression Sanctuary. Learn about new treatment approaches and read stories of people living with this condition in the best books on depression.
Although borderline personality disorder (BPD) and bipolar disorder have similar symptoms and are often confused with each other, they are different conditions. However, both bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder can be treated to lower the risk of these dangerous symptoms. Depression (also called major depressive disorder or MDD) often goes hand in hand with sleep problems, changes in appetite, and difficulty concentrating. People with bipolar disorder often have problems with excessive sleep and overeating, which can help distinguish between MDD and bipolar disorder.
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