Major depression (unipolar depression) and bipolar disorder (manic depression) are two mood disorders that can run in families, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Both disorders have different symptoms and treatment considerations.
Symptoms
The NIH states that both major depression and bipolar disorder have depression symptoms, like hopelessness, fatigue and loss of self-esteem. Bipolar disorder patients, however, also exhibit symptoms of mania, which include euphoria, racing thoughts and reckless behavior.
Diagnosis Criteria
To be diagnosed with major depression, patients need to have five or more symptoms for at least two weeks. The NIH notes that bipolar I patients have manic episodes with depression episodes, while bipolar II patients have hypomania (a lesser form of mania) with depression.
Mood Shifts
The NIH states bipolar disorder patients can have mood shifts between depression and mania, or mixed states with both symptoms. Patients with major depression, however, do not have any mood shifts.
Treatment
The main medication option for major depression is antidepressants, though the NIH warns bipolar disorder patients should not take antidepressants alone; these medications can cause rapid mood changes in bipolar disorder patients when not combined with another medication.
Consideration
Because bipolar II patients have mainly depression symptoms, they can be misdiagnosed with major depression.
