Manic Depression Vs Bipolar. Are They The Same?

Manic Depression Vs Bipolar

Manic depression and bipolar disorder are historically used to describe the same condition but are now considered interchangeable. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), commonly used for diagnosing mental disorders, only recognizes the term “bipolar disorder.”

Bipolar disorder, a mood disorder, is defined by recurrent and alternating episodes of mania or hypomania and depression. It involves extreme shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels, which can significantly affect a person’s daily functioning. These episodes can last for days, weeks, or even months.

“Manic depression” is an older term to describe the same condition as bipolar disorder. It refers to the presence of both manic and depressive episodes. Mania can be described as elevated or irritable mood, increased energy, racing thoughts, decreased need for sleep, impulsivity, and risky behavior. In contrast, Depressive episodes involve sadness, hopelessness, low energy, loss of interest in activities, and difficulties with concentration.

Overall, while the terms “manic depression” and “bipolar disorder” have been used interchangeably, “bipolar disorder” is the preferred and more commonly used term in modern clinical settings.

What Is Manic Depression?

Manic depression, commonly called bipolar disorder in clinical settings, is a mental health condition characterized by significant mood swings. It is a mood disorder that involves the presence of both manic or hypomanic episodes and depressive episodes.

Manic episodes can be severe and significantly disrupt a person’s functioning and relationships. Sometimes, they may require hospitalization to ensure the person’s safety. Depressive episodes can be equally debilitating and may last for weeks or months.

The frequency, duration, and intensity of manic and depressive episodes can vary among individuals with manic depression. Some people may experience more frequent and severe episodes, while others may have longer periods of stability between episodes.

Manic Depression is a chronic condition that requires lifelong management. Treatment typically involves a combination of medication, such as mood stabilizers and psychotherapy, to help individuals manage their symptoms, prevent relapses, and improve their overall quality of life.

What Term to Use? Manic Depression vs Bipolar Disorder

In the past, “manic depression” and “bipolar disorder” were commonly used to describe the same mental health condition defined by alternating episodes of mania or hypomania and depression. These terms were often used interchangeably, and they were seen as referring to the same underlying condition. However, in more recent years, there has been a shift in terminology and understanding.

Presently, “bipolar disorder” has become the preferred and widely accepted term used by mental health professionals and within the medical community. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) recognizes and uses “bipolar disorder” exclusively. The DSM-5 provides specific criteria and diagnostic guidelines for various types of bipolar disorder, such as bipolar I disorder, bipolar II disorder, and cyclothymic disorder.

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21 million

An estimated 21.0 million adults in the United States had at least one major depressive episode. This number represented 8.4% of all U.S. adults.

Source: National Institute on Mental Health

17.0%

The prevalence of adults with a major depressive episode was highest among individuals aged 18-25 (17.0%).

Source: National Institute of Mental Health

Manic Depression Symptoms

The symptoms of manic depression, also known as bipolar disorder, can vary depending on the phase of the mood episode (manic, hypomanic, or depressive) that an individual is experiencing. Here are the symptoms associated with each phase:

Manic Episode Symptoms:

• Elevated or irritable mood: Feeling excessively happy, elated, or agitated.

• Increased energy and activity: Having a surge of energy and engaging in goal-directed, excessive activities.
• Racing thoughts: Having a rapid flow of thoughts, often jumping from one idea to another.
• Decreased need for sleep: Feeling rested after only a few hours or experiencing insomnia.
• Grandiosity: Having an inflated sense of self-esteem or beliefs about one’s abilities or importance.
• Talkativeness: Speaking rapidly and excessively.
• Increased goal-directed activity: Engaging in multiple activities simultaneously, often with high productivity.
• Risky behavior: Engaging in impulsive and potentially harmful activities, such as excessive spending, reckless driving, or risky sexual behavior.

Hypomanic Episode Symptoms:

Hypomanic Episodes have similar symptoms to Mania but mainly differ in duration and intensity.

• Elevated or Irritable Mood: individuals feel heightened happiness, excitement, or irritability.
• Increased Energy and Activity: People may feel unusually productive, engage in numerous activities, and take on more than they typically would.
• Racing Thoughts: Thoughts during hypomania can become rapid, scattered, and difficult to control.
• Decreased Need for Sleep: Individuals may feel rested and energized after minimal sleep.
• Increased Self-Esteem or Grandiosity: People might believe they possess extraordinary abilities or are destined for success.
• Talkativeness: They may speak rapidly, have difficulty keeping up with their thoughts, and might interrupt others due to their increased need to communicate.
• Increased Goal-Directed Activity: Individuals may take on numerous tasks simultaneously and set ambitious goals, sometimes exceeding their usual capacities.
• Risky Behavior: This can include reckless driving, increased spending, substance abuse, or making decisions with potentially harmful consequences without fully considering the risks.

Depressive Episode Symptoms:

• Persistent sadness: Feeling sad, empty, or tearful most of the day, nearly every day.
• Loss of interest or pleasure: Losing interest in previously enjoyed activities.
• Fatigue or low energy: Feeling tired and lacking energy even after a restful sleep.
• Sleep disturbances: Experiencing insomnia or sleeping excessively.
• Appetite changes: Significant weight loss or gain or changes in appetite.
• Difficulty concentrating: Having trouble focusing, making decisions, or remembering things.
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt: Feeling a sense of worthlessness, excessive guilt, or self-blame.
• Psychomotor agitation or retardation: Restlessness or slowed physical and mental movements.
• Suicidal thoughts: Having recurrent thoughts of death or suicide or engaging in self-harming behaviors.