Can Major Depression Lead to Bipolar Disorder?

What is depression?

Depression and bipolar disorder are not the same despite sharing some symptoms. Major depression can't lead to bipolar disorder.
Depression and bipolar disorder are not the same despite sharing some symptoms. Major depression can't lead to bipolar disorder.

Major depression can't lead to bipolar disorder. However, someone with an earlier diagnosis of clinical depression might later be rediagnosed with bipolar disorder.

Depression and bipolar disorder are not the same despite sharing some symptoms. Sometimes, depression is a symptom of bipolar disorder. People with bipolar disorder may go through lethargy, feelings of worthlessness, and overwhelmingly low moments.

Depression is commonly experienced as a persistent feeling of sadness that can endure for weeks or months. The condition is unlike times when you may feel down only for a day or two or for clear situational causes. If you are diagnosed with depression, you may enjoy a complete recovery with proper treatment and support.

Signs and symptoms of depression

You may have depression if you've gone through some of the following for more than two weeks:

  • Extreme pessimism or hopelessness
  • Fatigue (low energy)
  • Irritability
  • Feeling helpless, worthless or guilty
  • Anxiety and persistent sadness
  • Low interest and loss of pleasure in your hobbies or usual activities
  • Loss of appetite
  • Extreme weight changes
  • Restlessness
  • Death thoughts or suicidal ideation, or attempts at suicide or self-damage
  • Body pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive issues with unknown causes that may not solve with treatment

Types of depressive disorders

Depression may occur in different forms depending on your circumstances. The different types of depressive disorders are:

  • Persistent depressive disorder or dysthymia: multiple episodes of major depression for more than two years
  • Psychotic depression: severe depression and a form of psychosis (like delusions and hallucinations) at the same time 
  • Post-partum depression: a form of depression that affects women during pregnancy or after giving birth, with symptoms that may make daily activities difficult
  • Seasonal affective disorder: depression caused by the decrease in natural sunlight at the onset of the winter season; symptoms include weight gain, social withdrawal, and excessive sleep
  • Bipolar disorder: bipolar disorder is not the same as depression, but it is still classified as a depressive disorder because it causes a form of depression; bipolar disorder may cause episodes of extreme sadness and low mood

What causes depression?

Some factors associated with depression include:

  • Genetic inheritance: If you have close family members who have had depression, there may be a higher chance of you getting the condition.
  • Environment or life-changing events: Life-changing events like abuse, accidents, or living in a violent environment may cause some forms of depression.
  • Biochemistry: Chemical differences in the neurotransmitters in your brain may lead to depression. 
  • Personality: Low self-esteem, pessimism, or stress are associated with a higher chance of depression.

What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mental health disorder that affects an individual's mood, energy, and ability to function. People with bipolar disorder go through intense episodes of high and low moods. Such episodes can be sorted into two modes:

  1. Mania: also called hypomanic episodes, is characterized by excess happiness, optimism, or irritability.
  2. Depression: this is an episode of extreme sadness, apathy, or fatigue.

These episodes may go on for days and even weeks. But the person will usually return to their natural mood. From time to time, they may have mood fluctuations that last for some hours. A person with bipolar disorder can be treated and lead a full, productive life.

Other names used to refer to bipolar disorder include manic depression, manic depressive illness, manic depressive disorder, bipolar affective disorder, and bipolar mood disorder. Bipolar disorder may affect many different individuals.

Bipolar disorder is found in three types:

  1. Bipolar 1: characterized by extremely severe manic episodes; depressive episodes may also be present
  2. Bipolar 2:  people experience both depressive and hypomanic episodes, but manic episodes are milder than bipolar 1 and may even seem enjoyable
  3. Cyclothymic disorder: frequent mood changes between depressive and hypomanic episodes but noticeably less severe than in bipolar 1 and 2

Sometimes you may get symptoms of bipolar disorder that don't fall under any of the three types. That's called unspecified bipolar disorder.

Symptoms of bipolar disorder

The symptoms of bipolar disorder may depend on whether the person is going through a manic or depressive episode. These episodes are more extreme than the normal feelings of sadness or happiness people without bipolar disorder may get.

When going through a manic episode, you may have some of the following symptoms:

  • High energy and mood
  • Fast speech and racing thoughts
  • Loss of sleep
  • Aggressive and reckless behavior
  • High irritability
  • Exaggerated optimism
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Poor judgment
  • Increased feelings of self-importance

When going through a depressive episode, you may demonstrate:

  • Lack of interest in your usual activities
  • Prolonged sadness or irritability
  • Excess or complete loss of appetite
  • Feeling worthless or guilty
  • Excessive sleep or lack of sleep
  • Anxiety, anger, and worry
  • Loss of concentration
  • Fatigue
  • Drops in school performance
  • Inability to feel pleasure
  • Suicidal thoughts

While the episodes of mania and depression may last for weeks or even months in adults, children and adolescents go through much shorter episodes. They may cycle between multiple manic and depressive episodes in one day.




QUESTION

Depression is a(n) __________ .
See Answer

What causes bipolar disorder

There is no known specific cause of bipolar disorder. However, some factors can affect the emergence and nature of bipolar episodes. They include:

  • Genetic inheritance
  • Biochemical factors
  • Extreme life-changing or stressful events

Conclusion

Because of the many overlapping symptoms of depression and bipolar disorder, it's vital that you share all you can with your doctor to reduce the risk of misdiagnosis and wrong treatment. If you suspect your child has depression or bipolar disorder, make sure they see a doctor. Children may show signs and symptoms of mental health issues differently from adults. Proper observation may be vital to make a diagnosis. Family and friends may also have helpful information for the doctor. Take all the help you can get.

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Can Major Depression Lead to Bipolar Disorder?

What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that leads to severe mood swings. If you have an identified condition of depression, it cannot
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that leads to severe mood swings. If you have an identified condition of depression, it cannot "develop into" or "lead to" bipolar disorder.

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that leads to severe mood swings. This is usually visible in the form of extreme emotional highs and lows. Sometimes, people can misread the symptoms of bipolar disorder as schizophrenia symptoms. Although bipolar disorder and schizophrenia do have some common attributes, they are two different mental health disorders.

Both bipolar disorder and major depression are classified as mood disorders. Both conditions are challenging. but with proper care, they can be effectively managed.

Bipolar disorder is classified into different types and may include mania, hypomania, or both. The symptoms depend on the type of bipolar disorder but typically cause major changes in your mood and behavior.

Bipolar I disorder

This involves manic incidents that last for a minimum of seven days, along with any hypomanic or major depressive incident. In some bipolar I disorder cases, people may also have depression that lasts for at least two weeks, while in other cases, it may involve incidents of depression along with other manic symptoms. 

Bipolar II disorder

A person with bipolar II disorder has had at least one hypomanic and one major depressive incident but has never had a manic incident.

Cyclothymic disorder

You’re diagnosed as having a cyclothymic bipolar disorder when you’ve had multiple incidents of hypomania symptoms along with periods of depression for at least two years, or in the case of children and teenagers, for one year. 

Other symptoms

Some people with bipolar disorder may have episodes of depression that lead to feelings of sadness, worry, and hopelessness. These phases of depression may also include restlessness, having trouble with sleep, slow speech, forgetfulness, lack of concentration, loss of interest in activities, and suicidal thoughts. 

You may have bipolar disorder even if your symptoms are less severe. For example, some individuals with bipolar II disorder may have hypomanic episodes but may feel that everything is normal, while friends and family notice the considerable changes in the mood and activity levels that suggest bipolar disorder. If people who have frequent hypomanic episodes are not given timely treatment, this may lead to manic episodes or even depression. 

Mania and hypomania

Although mania and hypomania have similar symptoms, they are two separate conditions. Mania, also known as a manic episode, usually lasts for a week or more, during which you may have a sudden change in mannerisms. On the other hand, hypomania does not lead to noticeable changes in normal social and professional functioning and typically lasts for a minimum of four days. 

What characterizes mania is heightened talkative behavior along with a reduced need for sleep, distractibility, rapid thoughts, and accelerated speech. Other signs of manic episodes include impulsive behavior, elevated mood that is subject to rapid mood swings, and irritability. 

If the person who has these symptoms needs to be hospitalized eventually, then the period is regarded as mania rather than hypomania.

Keep in mind that this mania is a naturally occurring state and is different from mania caused by substance use or other medical conditions such as dementia, brain injury, brain tumors, or stroke. If you’ve had just one manic phase or episode, it qualifies as bipolar I disorder. But people with bipolar I disorder usually also have phases of hypomania and depression.

What are the symptoms of depression?

Depression, also known as major depressive disorder, is a medical condition that affects you mentally and physically. Some of the symptoms of depression are:

  • Sadness
  • Lack of interest in doing things
  • Tiredness and lack of energy  
  • Disturbed sleep or sleeping a lot
  • Inability to think clearly or make decisions
  • Feelings of worthlessness
  • Sluggish movements and speech patterns, serious enough to be easily noticed by others

You’ll be diagnosed as having depression if these symptoms last for more than two weeks along with a marked change in your actions. Adults who are depressed for more than two years will be classified as having a persistent depressive disorder, whereas, for children, this duration is one year. 

People with this condition typically show other symptoms such as eating too little or too much and having a sense of hopelessness.

Several factors can contribute to depression: 

  • Changes in specific chemicals in the brain may lead to symptoms of depression.
  • The condition can also run in the family. Research shows that if one identical twin has depression, there is a 70% chance of the other getting it in their lifetime.
  • Individuals with low self-esteem or those who quickly get bogged down by stress are more likely to get depressed.
  • Consistent exposure to violent situations, neglect, or abuse may increase the risk of depression. 




QUESTION

Another term that has been previously used for bipolar disorder is ___________________.
See Answer

Depression and bipolar disorder

While depression is considered a “unipolar” (uni-, one) disorder, “bipolar” (bi-, two), as the word suggests, is a condition where you move from one extreme to another. You are either on a high (called a manic phase) or you feel low (called a depressive episode). 

It's estimated that one in three people with bipolar disorder has been misdiagnosed with depression. A study found that around 40% of the individuals who had bipolar disorder were initially diagnosed with depression. An incorrect diagnosis leads to unsuitable treatment that usually includes antidepressants.

When people with bipolar disorder are treated with antidepressants, it can lead to manic episodes. Research on individuals with bipolar disorder found that 55% of all people who were initially diagnosed with depression also showed signs of mania.

Another study found that a delay in prescribing mood stabilizers to those with bipolar disorder led to considerably higher healthcare expenses.

Conclusion

Although some of the symptoms of depression and bipolar disorder may be similar, you should note that there are other critical differences between these two conditions. Since these conditions have several symptoms in common, it’s difficult to make an accurate diagnosis.

If you have an identified condition of depression, it cannot “develop into” or “lead to” bipolar disorder.

But if you have been diagnosed with depression in the past, you may have a type of bipolar disorder with depression as one of the symptoms. It’s important to identify the disorder as soon as possible to make sure you get the right treatment.

Check Also

What Is the Best Operation to Lose Weight?

Weight loss surgery options Weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, is one of …

Can Major Depression Lead to Bipolar Disorder?

What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that leads to severe mood swings. If you have an identified condition of depression, it cannot
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that leads to severe mood swings. If you have an identified condition of depression, it cannot "develop into" or "lead to" bipolar disorder.

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that leads to severe mood swings. This is usually visible in the form of extreme emotional highs and lows. Sometimes, people can misread the symptoms of bipolar disorder as schizophrenia symptoms. Although bipolar disorder and schizophrenia do have some common attributes, they are two different mental health disorders.

Both bipolar disorder and major depression are classified as mood disorders. Both conditions are challenging. but with proper care, they can be effectively managed.

Bipolar disorder is classified into different types and may include mania, hypomania, or both. The symptoms depend on the type of bipolar disorder but typically cause major changes in your mood and behavior.

Bipolar I disorder

This involves manic incidents that last for a minimum of seven days, along with any hypomanic or major depressive incident. In some bipolar I disorder cases, people may also have depression that lasts for at least two weeks, while in other cases, it may involve incidents of depression along with other manic symptoms. 

Bipolar II disorder

A person with bipolar II disorder has had at least one hypomanic and one major depressive incident but has never had a manic incident.

Cyclothymic disorder

You’re diagnosed as having a cyclothymic bipolar disorder when you’ve had multiple incidents of hypomania symptoms along with periods of depression for at least two years, or in the case of children and teenagers, for one year. 

Other symptoms

Some people with bipolar disorder may have episodes of depression that lead to feelings of sadness, worry, and hopelessness. These phases of depression may also include restlessness, having trouble with sleep, slow speech, forgetfulness, lack of concentration, loss of interest in activities, and suicidal thoughts. 

You may have bipolar disorder even if your symptoms are less severe. For example, some individuals with bipolar II disorder may have hypomanic episodes but may feel that everything is normal, while friends and family notice the considerable changes in the mood and activity levels that suggest bipolar disorder. If people who have frequent hypomanic episodes are not given timely treatment, this may lead to manic episodes or even depression. 

Mania and hypomania

Although mania and hypomania have similar symptoms, they are two separate conditions. Mania, also known as a manic episode, usually lasts for a week or more, during which you may have a sudden change in mannerisms. On the other hand, hypomania does not lead to noticeable changes in normal social and professional functioning and typically lasts for a minimum of four days. 

What characterizes mania is heightened talkative behavior along with a reduced need for sleep, distractibility, rapid thoughts, and accelerated speech. Other signs of manic episodes include impulsive behavior, elevated mood that is subject to rapid mood swings, and irritability. 

If the person who has these symptoms needs to be hospitalized eventually, then the period is regarded as mania rather than hypomania.

Keep in mind that this mania is a naturally occurring state and is different from mania caused by substance use or other medical conditions such as dementia, brain injury, brain tumors, or stroke. If you’ve had just one manic phase or episode, it qualifies as bipolar I disorder. But people with bipolar I disorder usually also have phases of hypomania and depression.

What are the symptoms of depression?

Depression, also known as major depressive disorder, is a medical condition that affects you mentally and physically. Some of the symptoms of depression are:

  • Sadness
  • Lack of interest in doing things
  • Tiredness and lack of energy  
  • Disturbed sleep or sleeping a lot
  • Inability to think clearly or make decisions
  • Feelings of worthlessness
  • Sluggish movements and speech patterns, serious enough to be easily noticed by others

You’ll be diagnosed as having depression if these symptoms last for more than two weeks along with a marked change in your actions. Adults who are depressed for more than two years will be classified as having a persistent depressive disorder, whereas, for children, this duration is one year. 

People with this condition typically show other symptoms such as eating too little or too much and having a sense of hopelessness.

Several factors can contribute to depression: 

  • Changes in specific chemicals in the brain may lead to symptoms of depression.
  • The condition can also run in the family. Research shows that if one identical twin has depression, there is a 70% chance of the other getting it in their lifetime.
  • Individuals with low self-esteem or those who quickly get bogged down by stress are more likely to get depressed.
  • Consistent exposure to violent situations, neglect, or abuse may increase the risk of depression. 




QUESTION

Another term that has been previously used for bipolar disorder is ___________________.
See Answer

Depression and bipolar disorder

While depression is considered a “unipolar” (uni-, one) disorder, “bipolar” (bi-, two), as the word suggests, is a condition where you move from one extreme to another. You are either on a high (called a manic phase) or you feel low (called a depressive episode). 

It's estimated that one in three people with bipolar disorder has been misdiagnosed with depression. A study found that around 40% of the individuals who had bipolar disorder were initially diagnosed with depression. An incorrect diagnosis leads to unsuitable treatment that usually includes antidepressants.

When people with bipolar disorder are treated with antidepressants, it can lead to manic episodes. Research on individuals with bipolar disorder found that 55% of all people who were initially diagnosed with depression also showed signs of mania.

Another study found that a delay in prescribing mood stabilizers to those with bipolar disorder led to considerably higher healthcare expenses.

Conclusion

Although some of the symptoms of depression and bipolar disorder may be similar, you should note that there are other critical differences between these two conditions. Since these conditions have several symptoms in common, it’s difficult to make an accurate diagnosis.

If you have an identified condition of depression, it cannot “develop into” or “lead to” bipolar disorder.

But if you have been diagnosed with depression in the past, you may have a type of bipolar disorder with depression as one of the symptoms. It’s important to identify the disorder as soon as possible to make sure you get the right treatment.

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Can Major Depression Lead to Bipolar Disorder?

What is depression?

Depression and bipolar disorder are not the same despite sharing some symptoms. Major depression can't lead to bipolar disorder.
Depression and bipolar disorder are not the same despite sharing some symptoms. Major depression can't lead to bipolar disorder.

Major depression can't lead to bipolar disorder. However, someone with an earlier diagnosis of clinical depression might later be rediagnosed with bipolar disorder.

Depression and bipolar disorder are not the same despite sharing some symptoms. Sometimes, depression is a symptom of bipolar disorder. People with bipolar disorder may go through lethargy, feelings of worthlessness, and overwhelmingly low moments.

Depression is commonly experienced as a persistent feeling of sadness that can endure for weeks or months. The condition is unlike times when you may feel down only for a day or two or for clear situational causes. If you are diagnosed with depression, you may enjoy a complete recovery with proper treatment and support.

Signs and symptoms of depression

You may have depression if you've gone through some of the following for more than two weeks:

  • Extreme pessimism or hopelessness
  • Fatigue (low energy)
  • Irritability
  • Feeling helpless, worthless or guilty
  • Anxiety and persistent sadness
  • Low interest and loss of pleasure in your hobbies or usual activities
  • Loss of appetite
  • Extreme weight changes
  • Restlessness
  • Death thoughts or suicidal ideation, or attempts at suicide or self-damage
  • Body pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive issues with unknown causes that may not solve with treatment

Types of depressive disorders

Depression may occur in different forms depending on your circumstances. The different types of depressive disorders are:

  • Persistent depressive disorder or dysthymia: multiple episodes of major depression for more than two years
  • Psychotic depression: severe depression and a form of psychosis (like delusions and hallucinations) at the same time 
  • Post-partum depression: a form of depression that affects women during pregnancy or after giving birth, with symptoms that may make daily activities difficult
  • Seasonal affective disorder: depression caused by the decrease in natural sunlight at the onset of the winter season; symptoms include weight gain, social withdrawal, and excessive sleep
  • Bipolar disorder: bipolar disorder is not the same as depression, but it is still classified as a depressive disorder because it causes a form of depression; bipolar disorder may cause episodes of extreme sadness and low mood

What causes depression?

Some factors associated with depression include:

  • Genetic inheritance: If you have close family members who have had depression, there may be a higher chance of you getting the condition.
  • Environment or life-changing events: Life-changing events like abuse, accidents, or living in a violent environment may cause some forms of depression.
  • Biochemistry: Chemical differences in the neurotransmitters in your brain may lead to depression. 
  • Personality: Low self-esteem, pessimism, or stress are associated with a higher chance of depression.

What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mental health disorder that affects an individual's mood, energy, and ability to function. People with bipolar disorder go through intense episodes of high and low moods. Such episodes can be sorted into two modes:

  1. Mania: also called hypomanic episodes, is characterized by excess happiness, optimism, or irritability.
  2. Depression: this is an episode of extreme sadness, apathy, or fatigue.

These episodes may go on for days and even weeks. But the person will usually return to their natural mood. From time to time, they may have mood fluctuations that last for some hours. A person with bipolar disorder can be treated and lead a full, productive life.

Other names used to refer to bipolar disorder include manic depression, manic depressive illness, manic depressive disorder, bipolar affective disorder, and bipolar mood disorder. Bipolar disorder may affect many different individuals.

Bipolar disorder is found in three types:

  1. Bipolar 1: characterized by extremely severe manic episodes; depressive episodes may also be present
  2. Bipolar 2:  people experience both depressive and hypomanic episodes, but manic episodes are milder than bipolar 1 and may even seem enjoyable
  3. Cyclothymic disorder: frequent mood changes between depressive and hypomanic episodes but noticeably less severe than in bipolar 1 and 2

Sometimes you may get symptoms of bipolar disorder that don't fall under any of the three types. That's called unspecified bipolar disorder.

Symptoms of bipolar disorder

The symptoms of bipolar disorder may depend on whether the person is going through a manic or depressive episode. These episodes are more extreme than the normal feelings of sadness or happiness people without bipolar disorder may get.

When going through a manic episode, you may have some of the following symptoms:

  • High energy and mood
  • Fast speech and racing thoughts
  • Loss of sleep
  • Aggressive and reckless behavior
  • High irritability
  • Exaggerated optimism
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Poor judgment
  • Increased feelings of self-importance

When going through a depressive episode, you may demonstrate:

  • Lack of interest in your usual activities
  • Prolonged sadness or irritability
  • Excess or complete loss of appetite
  • Feeling worthless or guilty
  • Excessive sleep or lack of sleep
  • Anxiety, anger, and worry
  • Loss of concentration
  • Fatigue
  • Drops in school performance
  • Inability to feel pleasure
  • Suicidal thoughts

While the episodes of mania and depression may last for weeks or even months in adults, children and adolescents go through much shorter episodes. They may cycle between multiple manic and depressive episodes in one day.




QUESTION

Depression is a(n) __________ .
See Answer

What causes bipolar disorder

There is no known specific cause of bipolar disorder. However, some factors can affect the emergence and nature of bipolar episodes. They include:

  • Genetic inheritance
  • Biochemical factors
  • Extreme life-changing or stressful events

Conclusion

Because of the many overlapping symptoms of depression and bipolar disorder, it's vital that you share all you can with your doctor to reduce the risk of misdiagnosis and wrong treatment. If you suspect your child has depression or bipolar disorder, make sure they see a doctor. Children may show signs and symptoms of mental health issues differently from adults. Proper observation may be vital to make a diagnosis. Family and friends may also have helpful information for the doctor. Take all the help you can get.

Check Also

강남 셔츠룸 서울부장

강남 셔츠룸 매정한 나라에요 ㅋㅋㅋ 신규오픈 매장으로 설치 물품들이 많습니다. 역시 시부야 아니랄까봐 우리 나라 정서가 두 들겨야 흥이 더 나는듯 합니다. 아직 소버일때 우리 여자 예쁘니 직원들이랑 사진찍고 놀기  5~2배 정도 들었던것같아요 일환이었던 월성 원전 1호기 조기폐쇄에 대한 감사는 수위 조절이 실패해서 포기 햇엇드랫죠;; 대량 매출 가능한 입지라 확신합니다. 게임센터 규모도 장난 아니더라구요 차량…

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