Mental health disorders are never one-dimensional. There are more than 200 disorders that affect more than 900 million people around the world. And a particular disorder, such as bipolar disorder or depression, can manifest differently in one person from the next. It’s important to explore the specifics of how different disorders manifest to make sure that the proper treatment is sought. 

Bipolar disorder and depression are both common mood disorders. But do you know the difference between unipolar depression and bipolar depression? Unipolar depression refers to major depressive disorder. It’s characterized by pervasive feelings of sadness and hopelessness. Bipolar depression is a part of bipolar disorder. Symptoms cycle between overwhelming sadness and intense happiness, even euphoria. 

In this blog post, we’re going to talk about the similarities and differences between unipolar and bipolar depression. Then we’ll discuss how Lightfully levels of care can help people with both. 

What unipolar and bipolar depression have in common 

Unipolar and bipolar depression both feature episodes of overwhelming negative thoughts, emotions and behaviors. 

The symptoms of unipolar and bipolar depression can impact every aspect of a person’s quality of life. They can make it difficult to carry out everyday responsibilities. It could also be hard to maintain healthy relationships with loved ones.

We’ve already mentioned that all-encompassing feelings of sadness are prevalent in both unipolar and bipolar depression episodes. Additional symptoms that they have in common include: 

• Heightened irritability 
• Lack of energy or motivation
• Sleep problems, such as excessive sleep or insomnia
• Changes in appetite or weight
• Trouble concentrating
• Suicidal thoughts
• Self-harm behaviors
• Anhedonia, or loss of interest in activities

The treatment options are also similar. People with either disorder can manage their symptoms on a day-to-day basis with the help of medication and psychotherapy. Antidepressant medication can be helpful for both. However, people with bipolar depression are often encouraged to take antidepressants alongside a mood stabilizer. This reduces the risk of triggering a manic episode.

How bipolar and unipolar depression are different 

Now that we’ve covered the similarities between both types of depression, let’s dive into their differences. 

The main difference is that unipolar depression refers to major depressive disorder (MDD). That means the episodes are solely characterized by negative thoughts and emotions. Bipolar depression refers to the depressive phases that happen due to bipolar disorder. They alternate with manic episodes, also known as mania.

Essentially, unipolar depression means that a person is overwhelmed by hopelessness and malaise. Bipolar depression follows up those feelings with episodes of mania. These episodes consist of intense positive energy and emotions, such as elation and hyperactivity. They can also lead to risky behaviors, poor decision-making, and severe disruptions in life functioning.

• Age of onset — Symptoms of both unipolar depression and bipolar disorder can develop at any age. However, bipolar disorder tends to have an earlier onset age than unipolar (MDD). Many people with bipolar disorder develop symptoms as a teenager or in their early 20s. The average onset age range is between 12 and 24 years old. People with MDD often develop symptoms in their mid-20s.
• Length of episodes — Bipolar depression episodes can vary in length, but they can often last more than two weeks. For unipolar depression, the length of episodes depends on treatment and severity of symptoms. They can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months.
• Genetic predisposition — Genetics plays a large role in a person’s risk of developing bipolar disorder or unipolar depression. Genetics also combines with environmental factors, life experiences and brain chemistry. Some research shows a potentially stronger link between genetics and bipolar depression than those for unipolar depression.

It’s common for bipolar depression to be misdiagnosed as unipolar depression, or MDD — especially if the person first experiences a depressive episode. It’s important that you receive a formal diagnosis of bipolar disorder or major depressive disorder. Be sure to talk to your family doctor, psychiatrist or psychotherapist. 

Lightfully can provide support for people with unipolar or bipolar depression

Every type of mental health disorder should be treated with personalized resources, treatment and support. Whether you have unipolar depression or bipolar depression, Lightfully’s levels of care can help. We’ll support you through your episodes while providing you with the skills you need to manage your mental health disorder.

Our framework for the levels of care consists of evidence-based, whole-person-centered care.

We provide four levels of care for unipolar and bipolar depression: 

• Residential Treatment Center
• Partial Hospitalization Program
• Intensive Outpatient Program 
• Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program

Change is possible. When you’re ready to take the first step, reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of you.