...Depression: Unipolar and Bipolar Disorders Almost everyone experiences mood changes in their lives. They feel happy or elated when things are going their way. Maybe Dave got a raise at work or Gary caught a glimpse of the pretty girl he has a crush on. They feel sad or upset when things are not going their way. Perhaps Becky’s television went shot or Marilyn just found out her favorite uncle has cancer. These feelings are normal and usually do not last very long. When feelings of intense sadness or feelings or extreme elation last for a long time and they interfere with normal functioning they are considered to be mood disorders such as depression or mania (Comer, 2011, p. 193). Depression is a sad, low state where life seems dark and overwhelming (Comer, 2011, p. 193). Mania is a state of frenzied energy or breathless euphoria where a person may have an exaggerated belief that the world is theirs for the taking (Comer, 2011, p. 193). Mania and depression are the two key emotions in mood disorders and most people who have one usually only suffer from depression, which is called unipolar depression (Comer, 2011, p. 193). These people have no history of mania and may return to a normal or a near normal mood when their depression lifts where other people may have periods of mania that alternate with their periods of depression, which is called bipolar disorder (Comer, 2011, p. 193). Unipolar depression and bipolar disorder are similar in some aspects but very different in others...
Words: 1458 - Pages: 6
...Depression: Unipolar and Bipolar Vanessa Clark PSY/270 July 7, 2013 Dr. Stephanie Sencil-White, PsyD, PhD, LCSW, DCSW Depression: Unipolar and Bipolar There comes a time in one’s life where they may have the signs and symptoms of a person suffering from depression. Depression is a mood disorder that can affect anyone of any age at some point in their life, but usually occurs after a traumatic event. Unipolar disorder and bipolar disorder are two depression disorders that will be discussed throughout this essay. The differences of unipolar and bipolar disorder, the signs and symptoms, causes, and treatments of these two disorders will also be discussed so that others can seek the help they need if they notice the signs and symptoms happening in their life. Unipolar disorder and bipolar disorder are both considered to be a form of depression, yet there are differences that can assist a psychiatrist in determining which disorder a patient may have. Unipolar disorder affects your mood, your daily living, and causes an all-time depressive state. Where unipolar disorder consists of depressive (low) symptoms, bipolar disorder consist of cycles of mania (high) and depressive (low) symptoms (Bipolar Central, 2004-2013). Bipolar disorder is said to be characterized by extreme changes in mood and can lead to risky behavior, damaged relationships, careers, and even suicidal tendencies. According to “Bipolar Central” (2004-2013), unipolar disorder is characterized by severe debilitating...
Words: 861 - Pages: 4
...Address the underlying causes of unipolar and bipolar disorders. What symptoms would indicate that an individual may be suffering from a unipolar or bipolar disorder? What treatments are available for individuals who suffer from unipolar or bipolar disorders? There are many different types of diseases that a person can have that could cause depression, but the main two tend to be Unipolar and bipolar. Unipolar is a condition that is caused when a person just has depression, while bipolar is when a person has highs such as mania and lows such as depression. When you hear people talk about being diagnosed with or treated for depression, they are often referring to unipolar depression. There are important differences between unipolar depression and bipolar depression – differences in how the illness makes people feel and behave, and differences in how they are supported through treatment. In addition to going through low moods or depression, individuals with bipolar disorder also have high moods known as mania during which they may experience increased energy, feelings of euphoria, insomnia (inability to sleep) or impulsive behaviors like shopping sprees or promiscuous sex. Someone with unipolar depression doesn’t go through the “highs” of bipolar depression. Below is a closer look at the symptoms of both depression and mania. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to visit your counseling center or a mental health professional to get the right...
Words: 731 - Pages: 3
...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...
Words: 2075 - Pages: 9
...Depression Chastity Shelton PSY/270 January 12, 2014 Monica Mauri Depression There is a distinct difference between bipolar and unipolar disorder, although both disorders may be due to a chemical imbalance in the brain, head injuries or genetically passed down through the gene pool. These disorders have different characteristics, symptoms, and require different treatments. There are however, some things both of these disorders have in common, which are the fact that they both cause anxieties, abnormal sleep patterns, and depression. Unipolar disorder is also known as a ‘clinical’ depression or ‘major’ depression, while bipolar disorder is known as ‘manic’ depression. The word ‘bipolar’ itself exemplifies the two opposite sides of both extremes or in other words, a person who has a bipolar disorder can be majorly depressed and feel extremely low or down on themselves and their lives or possibly feel happy and on top of the world. The cause of bipolar disorder has yet to be known, but researchers think that it is due to a possible chemical imbalance in the brain. Unipolar disorder’s cause is also unknown; however researchers suspect that this disorder may be related to the gene pool, as well as a chemical balance in the brain. Other factors may include; stress, biochemical factors: high levels of the stress cortisol or a lack of melatonin or lower levels of norepinephrine and serotonin chemicals in the brains of people who suffer with depression. Unipolar disorder...
Words: 745 - Pages: 3
...Depression Paper Dawn Sturdevant PSY/270 11/24/2013 Ratonya Gibson Depression Paper The differences between unipolar and bipolar disorders are pretty simple, yet unique in their own ways. With unipolar disorder it is basically being depressed, getting over it, and going on about one’s life. Unipolar can be mild or it can be severe. Around 17 percent of all adults experience an episode of severe unipolar depression at some point in their lives. These prevalence rates are similar in Canada, England, France, and many other countries (Vasiliadis et. Al., 2007; WHO, 2004) Some of the people with unipolar disorder can take up to a year to get better while others don’t take nearly as long. Bipolar disorder is depression of a totally different sort, yet a little bit the same as unipolar. If one is bipolar they are not only prone to depression but also to mania, sometimes at the same time. Some might even say that being bipolar is better because it is less common than unipolar disorder but personally I think not. This assumption that bipolar and unipolar depressions are distinct has continued to guide research for almost 30 years (Cellar, A., Johnson, S., and Winters, R, 2005). Bipolar is really a mixture of depression with a side order of mania. When it comes to the causes of unipolar and bipolar disorders things are different. With bipolar “much evidence suggests that the illness has at least a partial genetic basis, but its origins are still uncertain. The symptoms...
Words: 765 - Pages: 4
...Depression Paper Kevin Lausterer Axia College University of Phoenix Many people become depressed at some point in their lives, but when these feelings interfere with an individual’s ability to live a normal life and persist for an extended period, the individual should seek professional help. Some individuals not only experience depression but also extreme highs, known as mania, making it more difficult to live a normal, productive life. I will outline the differences between unipolar and bipolar disorders. In addition, I will address the underlying causes of unipolar and bipolar disorders, I will indicate the symptoms that an individual with unipolar or bipolar may be suffering from, and provide the treatments that are available for individuals who suffer from unipolar or bipolar disorders. Bipolar Disorder is a disease thought to be caused by changes in the chemistry of the brain. The symptoms and severity of the condition can vary, but with the proper treatment, Bipolar Disorder symptoms can be managed. Amongst the more than five million adults in America who have Bipolar Disorder, these “mood swings” can be extreme or frequent. These changes in mood aren’t as simple as transitioning from “happy” to “sad.” With Bipolar Disorder, symptoms can include both a lowering of mood (depression) and an exaggerated elevation of mood (mania). These changes occur in cycles and are referred to as “episodes.” People...
Words: 1134 - Pages: 5
...Psy/270 Abnormal Unipolar and Bipolar Disorders Unipolar and Bipolar Disorders WHAT THEY ARE NOT Most people by this day and age have already heard a little about, Bipolar Disorder and Unipolar disorder, as they seem to be more common in recent years. I am sure we have all heard many stories and rumors about what they are such as crazy, Sybil (which is another disorder all together), suicidal and many more, so with that in mind… I feel we will need to first discuss what Unipolar and Bipolar Disorders are not. Notice the comparison in the symptoms. In the description of the disorders discussed below. They have been commonly confused with”depression” or some might say having “the blues”. People who are depressed often are tired, have feelings of hopelessness, unable to concentrate, their weight fluctuates and many have changes in their sleep pattern. These symptoms typically last up to two weeks. ("Brain Physics .com", 2011) MOOD DISORDERS Depression, Unipolar and Bipolar disorder are all mood disorders ("University Of Maryland Medical Center (ummc)", 2011), and are closely related they are not the same. Unipolar Disorder also known as Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) or more commonly known as Clinical Depression and one of the most serious cases of depression. The symptoms typically, last more than 2 or 3 weeks, and interfere with normal life. The symptoms include but are not limited to difficulty socializing, , going to work, or feeling happy at all, loss...
Words: 899 - Pages: 4
...Depression Christina Kracht PSY/270 November 23, 2014 Dr. Tom King Depression Everyone suffers from some type of depression in their lives. Some experience a more severe level of depression than others. The severity of depression will vary from person to person. In the next few paragraphs, you will read about the differences between unipolar and bipolar disorder, as well as, their symptoms, causes, and treatments. Unipolar disorder is also known as clinical depression or major depressive disorder. With this disorder people will only experience depression and have no signs of mania. According to (Kerr, 2012), “people that experience unipolar disorder are more likely to use alcohol or other illegal substances, have an increase in mental and physical health issues, and they have a greater risk of suicide.” Unipolar disorder can also affect a person’s everyday life and activities. Unipolar episodes can occur only once, but usually occur more than once. Major depressive disorder is one of the most common mental disorders. There are many different symptoms to unipolar disorder. “With unipolar disorder there can be emotional, motivational, behavioral, cognitive, and physical symptoms” (Comer, 2010). Some emotional symptoms that may occur are sadness, anxiety, anger, or agitation. Motivational symptoms that can occur are a lack of interest or social withdraws such as friends, work, or sexual interest. There are also behavioral symptoms like slow moving, slower...
Words: 1231 - Pages: 5
...Depression Class Psy/270 Axia College University of Phoenix Introduction Many people in our society suffer with some form of disorder or another from; personality disorders, to psychological disorders, eating disorders, sleeping disorders and even the way one processes thoughts. Mood disorders are amongst one of the highest ranking around. Mood disorders affect almost forty-four million Americans every year, making mood disorders one of the most common health issues in the United States (National Mental Health Information Center, 2006). Depression is a mood disorder characterized by ongoing feelings of sadness and hopelessness. Many people suffer from depression in either mild or severe forms. Bipolar disorder and unipolar depression are two major mood disorders that will be discussed in this paper. Depression plays a key role in both disorders; in this paper we will examine key factors that make the difference between the two. Assignment: Depression Paper Unipolar Depression In our daily day to day lives we experience stress or have experienced a traumatic event at one point or another. Work hassles, traffic jams, family problems, childhood trauma, romantic relationships, terrorist attacks, or the death of a loved one, and the list goes on and on. Theses events take a toll on us causing...
Words: 967 - Pages: 4
...Depression Paper Gabrielle Piperno PSY 270 January 12, 2014 Stephanie Sencil-White Depression Paper Depression is defined as a low, sad state in which life seems dark with overwhelming challenges (Comer, 2012). Mania is considered the opposite of depression as it results in feeling of euphoria and frenzied energy; these two definitions combined are classified as bipolar disorder (Comer, 2012). Unipolar depression is when an individual suffers from depression that lacks bouts of mania (Comer, 2012). Depression, and or symptoms of depression, can affect everyone during one or more stages of life. Some individuals experience times in their lives when they consider themselves to be depressed; in actuality this is most likely a normal mood swing due to a temporary unpleasant circumstance. Upon information and belief, nearly 7 percent of the adult population in the United States suffers from a severe form of unipolar depression, with 5 percent of American’s suffering from mild forms of depression (Comer, 2012). Of the percentage of individuals suffering from unipolar depression, at least 50 percent of those individuals recover anywhere from 6 weeks to one year; in certain case treatment was not required (Comer, 2012). There are many cause that can be attributed to depression and unipolar forms of depression; some of these causes are due to biological factors and environmental factors (Comer, 2012). Neurotransmitters, when defective, may lead to depression. It is believed that...
Words: 873 - Pages: 4
...Depression: Unipolar Vs. Bipolar Rebecca M. Azurmendi Psychology 270 July 14, 2013 Professor Moore Depression: Unipolar Vs. Bipolar Depression is sometimes not taken seriously or is misunderstood. Key emotions in mood disorders are depression and mania. Depression is an overwhelming feeling from the challenges of life and a low, sad state in which life seems dark. Mania is an exaggerated belief that the world is for the person’s taking. Unipolar depression is a form of depression that does not have a history of mania. Bipolar disorder is marked by the mixture of periods of mania and depression (Comer, pg. 194). Unipolar depression is often mistaken for clinical depression. Severe unipolar depression is twice as severe in women as it is in men. Between young boys and girls unipolar depression is similar (Comer, pg. 194). We have all experienced a form of depression at some point in our lives. The signs and symptoms are all different depending on the individual. Some symptoms can be less severe than the others. Symptoms of unipolar depression feed off emotionally, motivationally, behaviorally, cognitively, and physical categories of symptoms. Emotionally individuals feel sad, miserable, and unwanted. The lose most if not all pleasure in most things. Their sense of humor tends to fade away and many of them experience anxiety, anger, and agitation. Some individuals feel humiliated and dejected (Comer, pg. 195). The motivation symptoms of depression usually lead to...
Words: 1191 - Pages: 5
...Bipolar and Unipolar PSY/270 University of Phoenix Author's Note: This paper is being submitted on April 13,2014 for Bill Noffsinger's PSY/270 class. RunningHead: Bipolar and Unipolar 1 Bipolar and Unipolar There are many different types of diseases that a person can have that could cause depression, but the main two tend to be Unipolar and bipolar. Unipolar is a condition that is caused when a person just has depression, while bipolar is when a person has highs such as mania and lows such as depression. When you hear people talk about being diagnosed with or treated for depression, they are often referring to unipolar depression. There are important differences between unipolar depression and bipolar depression. These differences are how the illness makes people feel and behave, and differences in how they are supported through treatment. In addition to going through low moods or depression, individuals with bipolar disorder also have high moods known as mania during which they may experience increased energy, feelings of euphoria, insomnia (inability to sleep) or impulsive behaviors like shopping sprees or promiscuous sex. Someone with unipolar depression doesn’t go through the “highs” of bipolar depression. A closer look at the symptoms of depression are: sleep disturbances, eating disturbances, depressed mood, lack of interest in usually pleasurable activities, fatigue...
Words: 926 - Pages: 4
...Depression Paper By Charlsa Roszell 9/27/2015 Rosa Federico-Ochoa Sadness is a necessary part of being human, unenjoyable as it may be. It is a common emotion that, combined with other emotions, distinguishes humanity from any other species. It is not uncommon to feel grief during particularly traumatic events; you grieve until you have worked through it, and then you move on. There is even a term for it, the “grieving stage”. However, what if it is more than a stage? What happens when the grief persists, or even worse, increases in intensity? Suddenly, it begins affecting the way you perform at school, or work. You no longer find enjoyment in the things you once did. When depression begins to effect one’s ability to function, it is time to seek help. These are signs of Major Depressive Disorder. Depression is so commonly generalized, few realize that there are different types of depression. Two of which are Unipolar depression, and Bipolar depression. Just because they are forms of depression does not mean people who suffer these disorders are merely sad all the time, they are different because they make people behaved and feel differently. In addition to feeling down, people who suffer from bipolar depression may also experience extreme “highs”, known as mania. The presence of these “manic episodes” is the primary difference between bipolar depression, and unipolar depression (or Major Depressive Disorder.) Someone who suffers from unipolar depression is not likely...
Words: 748 - Pages: 3
...Depression Paper Angie Marquez PSY 270 April 17, 2016 Depression Paper Most people have felt sadness at some point in their life. It is a normal reaction to the loss of a loved one or even just everyday life struggles. When these feelings of sadness start to last longer than a few days and begins to keep you from functioning normal it may be more than just sadness. Clinical depression is a treatable medical condition that many people experience in throughout life. Depression is considered a mood disorder. “Mood disorders are a category of illnesses that describe a serious change in mood” (Mental Health America, 2016). Other mood disorders include unipolar disorder and bipolar disorder. There are important differences between unipolar and bipolar such as how the illness makes people feel and behave and the difference in treatment (ULifeline, 2016). Bipolar disorder is a serious illness that involves one or more episodes of serious mania and depression (Mental Health America, 2016). Mania is when a person is feeling happy, confident, energetic and productive (ULifeline, 2016). During an episode of bipolar disorder a person can experience extreme mood swings. They can go from feeling happy and energetic to feeling sad and hopeless, sometimes with a period of a normal mood between the two extremes. There is no definite link between genetics and bipolar disorder but research does show that is tends to run in families (Mental Health America, 2016). Other causes of bipolar disorder...
Words: 797 - Pages: 4
