Unipolar and Bipolar

Depression Paper

Nuewana Fultz

8/15/2015

PSY/270

Debbi Kutner

University of Phoenix

Unipolar and Bipolar

       There is often a confusion between Unipolar Depression and Bipolar Disorder

Depression due to the fact they share the same symptoms of sadness, hopelessness,

pessimism; anxiety and sleep problems; although Unipolar Depression and Bipolar

Depression take very different directions. It is important that we are able to tell them apart

and understand the differences in diagnosing and treating these disorders. Making an

inaccurate diagnosis can result in making the disorder worse. There are two types of mood

disorders: Unipolar Depression and Bipolar Disorder. It is believed both are genetic

disorders and they share many of the same symptoms. These disorders differ in treatments,

and some of the symptoms are also different. Both can be very severe and carry a risk of

suicide. 

Unipolar Depression
   

    Unipolar depression is a mood disorder that is categorized by depression without mania. Depression

and mania are the opposite of each other; depression is a state of sadness that one is overcome by all

of life’s challenges, whereas mania is when one is on a state of elation and has extravagant beliefs that

the world is theirs. Unipolar can be brought on by many different types of circumstances one experiences

chemically or in life’s experiences.

Symptoms 

     Symptoms of unipolar differ from person to person yet they will affect these five areas of

functions: emotional, motivational, behavioral, cognitive, and physical. An individual will emotionally

feel empty inside and experience little pleasure. They will also be despondent and lose their sense of

humor. They can experience anxiety, irritation, and distress. Along with these symptoms, crying spells are

very likely. One can and may lose their desire or enthusiasm to still participate in their usual day to day

activities. Some individuals have to force themselves to continue doing even the simplest activities of

daily living. They will most likely wish to be left alone, even by family and prefer solitude to being

surrounded by others even those who care and wish to help. Thoughts of suicide can and often do occur.