Unipolar and Bipolar

Unipolar and Bipolar

Tara Phillips

PSY/270

University of Phoenix

Dena Dries

2/9/2014

Unipolar and Bipolar

Unipolar and bipolar disorders are both mood disorders that feature depression; however, there is a significant difference between the two. Throughout, this paper some similarities and differences will be outlined.

Unipolar Disorder

Unipolar disorder also referred to as Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) or Clinical Depression. These disorder occur in persons that have both emotional and physical symptoms of depression. To be consider for a diagnosis of this disorder a person has to show symptoms that must at least last for two weeks. During this time there has to be either an episode of depressive mood or the loss of interest or pleasure in all activities.

Common Symptoms of Depression

Listed below are some common symptoms associated with depression according to (BrainPhysics.com, 2014)

* Depressed (sad) mood

* Lack of pleasure or interest in activities

* Sleep disturbance (sleeping too much or too little)

* Weight loss

* Loss of energy

* Agitation or psychomotor retardation (moving very slowly)

* Feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt

* Diminished concentration, or indecisiveness

* Frequent thoughts of death or suicide

* Having thoughts about hurting self

Bipolar

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in moods, energy, activity and the ability to carry out everyday tasks. Bipolar disorder can lead to poor performances at school and work as well as in relationships that the person with the illness engages in.

Common Symptoms of Bipolar

* Sleep patterns

* Energy levels

* Alcohol or drug use

* Sex drive

* Self-esteem

* Concentration

Difference between Unipolar and Bipolar

The biology of these disorders is different, effective treatments are different, and in some respects the...