Frequently Asked Questions about Bipolar Depression

Many people are curious about the answer to the question, “What is Bipolar?” Bipolar depression is one side of bipolar disorder, and the other is mania. Bipolar II symptoms include feelings of depression and what is called hypomanic episodes. Hypomanic episodes are manic episodes that never reach full mania. Bipolar I symptoms, on the other hand, are when the individual has had at least one full blown manic episode in their life along with episodes of depression.

Here are some frequently asked questions about bipolar depression:

Q: What is the difference between bipolar depression and major depressive disorder?

A: Bipolar depression and mania are the two sides of bipolar disorder. An individual with bipolar disorder struggles with both depression and mania, while someone who has major depressive disorder struggles with the depression aspect only.

Q: How is bipolar depression treated? Is it treated differently than major depressive disorder?

A: Medications used to help treat bipolar depression include mood stabilizers, while medication treatments for major depressive disorder often include SSRI’s and antidepressants. Both bipolar depression and major depressive disorder treatments include behavior therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and group therapy.

Q: How many people struggle with bipolar depression in the United States?

A: Approximately 2.5% of the U.S. population has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, which is equal to about six million people. Age of onset is usually in the teens or early twenties and people with parents who have bipolar disorder are generally at higher risk of developing it.

Q: What are the symptoms of bipolar depression?

A: Individuals who are experiencing bipolar depression often feel increased fatigue, sadness, irritability, restlessness, and may have difficulty concentrating. They may also sleep too little or too much, feel hopeless and helpless, and experience physical symptoms such as headaches and stomachaches that have no other apparent cause.


Q: How is bipolar depression diagnosed?

A: A doctor will ask to see a mood chart that outlines the individual’s mood, sleep patterns, eating and exercise habits, etc. to be able to accurately diagnose bipolar disorder. A bipolar I diagnosis includes at least one episode of mania in the individual’s lifetime. A bipolar II diagnosis includes episodes of hypomania and episodes of depression.


Are you interested in learning more about bipolar depression and bipolar I symptoms? Visit BPHope.com today. This online magazine is dedicated to helping those who struggle with bipolar disorder and offer dozens of thoughtfully-written articles as well as a community forum.


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