Bipolar vs Depression: Key Differences in Symptoms and Treatment

Mood disorder is an umbrella term used to describe the disorders that affect one’s emotional state. Of these mood disorders, two of the most common ones are depression and bipolar disorder. Often confused with one another, they do have some similarities and many differences.

Battling depression or bipolar disorder can be very challenging. It can also be very difficult to open up and reach out. However, support is available and compassionate professionals are always there to listen. At the NuView Treatment Center, we provide comprehensive and personalized treatment plans and ongoing care for our clients struggling with depression, bipolar disorder, or other mood disorders. We are committed to our clients’ healing and long-term well-being.

Bipolar Disorder vs. Depression

Depression vs bipolar disorder is a very common topic of confusion. Depression, also known as major depressive disorder, and bipolar disorder are mood disorders. They are similar in some ways and different in other ways.

Depression is characterized by excruciating levels of sadness and despair. It is not just about feeling low, which many do from time to time. It is an overwhelming feeling of sadness that is sinking and engulfing – it gives rise to feelings of emptiness, worthlessness, and hopelessness. Even more so, it can lead to suicidal thoughts and actions. In fact, depression is one of the leading reasons for suicide.

Meanwhile, bipolar disorder is different from depression. It is characterized by extreme changes in mood – ups (mania) and downs (depression). In bipolar disorder, it is common to feel depressed for a few days, weeks, or months, and then experience mania. This manic state can also last for a few days, weeks, or months. Bipolar disorder can also involve hypomania, which is a less severe form of mania.

Key Differences Between Bipolar Disorder and Depression

When considering bipolar vs depression, there are some key differences to keep in mind:

Mood Variability – Bipolar disorder is characterized by extreme mood swings, from mania or hypomania to depression. Depression is characterized by prolonged periods of low mood without episodes of mania or hypomania.

Episodes – In bipolar disorder, one alternates between depressive and manic/hypomanic phases. Meanwhile, depression involves a period of depressive symptoms, majorly low mood, low energy, loss of interest, and feelings of hopelessness.

Onset – The average age of onset for bipolar disorder is mid-20s. For depression, it most often begins in the 20s or even early 30s, but it can occur at any point of time in life. It can even be triggered by life events, trauma, or stress.

Diagnosis – Bipolar disorder diagnosis requires the presence of at least one manic/hypomanic episode as well as at least one depressive episode. Depression diagnosis is based on depressive symptoms lasting for two weeks or more without the presence of mania or hypomania.

Treatment – Both bipolar disorder and depression are managed with psychotherapy and medication. When it comes to medication, bipolar disorder is treated with mood stabilizers and antipsychotics. Depression is majorly treated with antidepressants.

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What Are The Symptoms Of Depression Vs Bipolar Disorder?

In the discussion pertaining to bipolar vs depression, understanding the symptoms is very important. The symptoms of each disorder are different, and identifying them helps in accurate diagnosis and the right treatment.

The symptoms of depression are:

• Sadness, emptiness, worthlessness, and hopelessness
• Lack of interest in activities that were pleasurable once
• Sleep difficulties – sleeping too little or too much
• Lack of focus
• Eating too little or too much
• Pessimistic outlook toward life
• Body aches and pains
• Suicidal thoughts and ideation
• Suicide attempts

In bipolar disorder, it is common to alternate between depressive and manic/hypomanic symptoms. While depressive symptoms are similar to those found in depression, mania and hypomania symptoms are as follows:

• Increased energy
• Increased activity
• Talking fast
• Restlessness
• Irritability
• Angry outbursts
• Little sleep
• Euphoria
• Grandiose beliefs
• Engaging in risky activities, like risky sex

Types Of Depression Vs Bipolar Disorder

Depression characterized by depressive symptoms, however, it can be of different types as well:

• Persistent Depressive Disorder – It is a chronic type of depression wherein the depressive symptoms last for 2 years or longer. The symptoms are less intense than in major depressive disorder, but are prolonged.
• Seasonal Affective Disorder – It is a type of depression that occurs during particular seasons. For instance, it can begin in fall or winter and last till spring.
• Peripartum/Postpartum Depression – This type of depression usually occurs during or after pregnancy, as a consequence of different physical, hormonal, and emotional changes taking place.
• Depression With Psychosis – It is a type of depression that occurs with psychotic episodes characterized by a break from reality. Psychotic episodes involve hallucinations and delusions.

Meanwhile, the different types of bipolar disorder are:

• Bipolar I – It is characterized by episodes of mania and depression. Episodes of mania can last for at least one week or even longer, and they tend to be so severe that the person can require hospitalization. Meanwhile, the depressive episodes can last for at least 2 weeks.
• Bipolar II – It is characterized by episodes of hypomania and depression. Hypomanic episodes are less severe than manic episodes and tend to have lesser effect on daily functioning and life than the manic ones and last for at least 4 days.
• Cyclothymic Disorder – Also known as cyclothymia, it involves hypomanic and depressive episodes that last for at least 2 years. In children and adolescents, they usually last for a year.
• Rapid Cycling Bipolar Disorder – In this type of bipolar disorder, a person experiences 4 or more manic and depressive episodes in a year.
• Other Specified and Unspecified Bipolar and Related Disorders – While these symptoms do not meet the criteria for the other types of bipolar disorder, they are still characterized by significant shifts in mood.

What Are The Risk Factors Of Depression vs Bipolar Disorder?

With bipolar vs depression, it is important to look at the risk factors as well. Both disorders have similar risk factors, and these also apply to other mood disorders:

• Genetic factors, like a family history of depression or bipolar disorder can increase the risk of developing these mental health conditions.
• Biological factors like brain regions of the amygdala and orbitofrontal cortex linked with emotions are associated with the development of mood disorders, like depression and bipolar disorders. For instance, enlarged amygdala is observed among those with mood disorders.
• Environmental factors like a stressful life event or a major life change can trigger a person’s depression or bipolar disorder.

Mixed Episodes and Cyclothymia

Cyclothymia is one of the types of bipolar disorder, and is characterized by hypomanic and depressive episodes that can last for even up to 2 years. Mixed episodes can be found among people suffering from cyclothymia, and they involve experiencing the combined symptoms of depression and hypomania.

While mixed episodes are not as intense or severe as major depressive disorder or bipolar I, they can be very confusing and the emotional state can be very difficult to cope with. This is the reason why people suffering from mixed episodes are at a great risk of suicide.

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How to Tell if It's Bipolar Disorder or Depression?

To differentiate between bipolar disorder and depression, the former is characterized by extreme mood swings. There are episodes of mania/hypomania and depression. While the depressive episodes of bipolar disorder mimic depression, depression is characterized by persistent feelings of depressive symptoms like sadness, emptiness, worthlessness, and hopelessness. There is no presence of manic or hypomanic episodes.

Moreover, looking for family history can also help identify whether it is bipolar disorder or depression. Usually, a first-degree relative having bipolar disorder or depression can increase the risk of developing the same condition.

Treatment Options for Bipolar Disorder and Depression

Bipolar disorder and depression are treated with a combination of medication and psychotherapy. Depression is majorly treated with antidepressants and talk therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy is effective. Moreover, incorporating healthy practices like breathing exercises and relaxation techniques can also be helpful in coping with depression.

Moreover, electroconvulsive therapy is also provided in cases where the person does respond to either medication or psychotherapy. It involves sending electrical impulses to the brain, which helps in improving depressive symptoms.

Now, treating bipolar disorder is relatively complex, as getting an accurate diagnosis is difficult in the first place. It is very easy for it to be misdiagnosed as depression. Therefore, family history and medical history is something that the doctor will need to look at, and as there is no specific test that can diagnose the presence of bipolar disorder, the doctor might suggest tests that rule out other conditions that can appear to be very similar to depression.

Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, and it can be managed using medication and psychotherapy. It is treated with mood stabilizers and antipsychotics. Anti-anxiety medications can also be prescribed in case of anxiety-related symptoms. Now, antidepressants are not the go-to choice for bipolar disorder as they can have an adverse impact and worsen the manic episodes.

Coming to psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, social rhythm therapy (focusing on stabilizing daily rhythms like sleeping, waking, and eating), and family therapy (along with psychoeducation) are used to help manage bipolar disorder.

Seeking Help and Getting an Accurate Diagnosis

Seeking help is the first step to addressing mood disorders like depression and bipolar disorder, and getting an accurate diagnosis is the first step to the right treatment. At Nuview, our medical and clinical team provides comprehensive assessments to understand each client’s unique symptoms, history, and needs. Through detailed evaluations, we aim to distinguish between depression and bipolar disorder given their overlapping symptoms, ensuring the right and personalized approach to treatment.

This careful process enables our clients to find clarity, receive targeted therapies, and a foundation for healing and well-being.

Start Your Personalized Treatment Plan

Our dedicated professional staff is here to design a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs, guiding you or your loved one on the journey to lasting recovery.

(323) 307-7997

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I bipolar or depressed?

To understand whether one is suffering from depression or bipolar disorder, it is crucial to identify mood patterns. Where depression is characterized by persistent depressive symptoms, bipolar disorder is characterized by cyclical (and sometimes even combined) episodes of mania/hypomania and depression.

Can bipolar be mistaken as depression?

Yes, bipolar disorder can often be mistaken for depression, and this leads to inaccurate diagnosis and treatment.