Sign In
By signing in or creating an account, you agree with Associated Broadcasting Company's Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
By signing in or creating an account, you agree with Associated Broadcasting Company's Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
New Delhi: Psychiatric conditions often commonly involve mood alteration, yet not all that involves mood is the same. Bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder (MDD), and ordinary mood swings might appear so similar, but they are all different when it comes to symptoms, causation, and impact on normal functioning. Understanding these differences makes it possible to realise the need for expert help and appropriate treatment measures.
In an interaction with TV9 English, Dr.(Miss) Sumit Grover, Psychologist, Lifecoach, and motivational speaker, explained how bipolar disorder is different from mood swings and depression.
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a serious mental illness with episodes of intense and elevated mood. These include emotional dysregulation leading to manic or hypomanic episodes (abnormally increased energy, euphoria, impulsive behavior, explosive anger or irritability episodes) and depressive episodes (intensely sad episodes, hopelessness, reduced energy, and loss of interest in activities). The distinguishing characteristic of bipolar disorder is the cycling between highs and lows, which can be interrupted by intermittent periods of normal mood. There are different types of bipolar disorder, including Bipolar I - where mania is more severe, lasting at least one week. Bipolar II - where hypomania and more frequent depressive episodes last for at least 2 weeks. These mood episodes are not just reactions to things that happen in life-instead, they are more likely to be unstable and disruptive to one's own, social, and professional life.
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
By comparison, major depressive disorder is characterized by persistent depressive symptoms without manic or hypomanic states. Individuals with MDD experience prolonged durations of deep sadness, hopelessness, fatigue, difficulty with concentration & decision making, and sometimes somatic symptoms like changes in sleep and appetite. These symptoms are present for two weeks or more and substantially impair the capacity to function. MDD is not being sad; it's a medical illness that generally must be treated by a doctor with therapу, medication, or both. MDD differs from bipolar disorder because it does not include any periods of elevated mood.
Mood Swings
Mood swings are present and can be precipitated by stress, changes in hormones, lack of sleep, or external situational factors. They are short-lived and less severe than bipolar disorder or MDD mood episodes. Everyone has their ups and downs, but they do not functionally impair to a clinical extent. Although bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, and mood swings all involve mood changes, the nature and extent of the differences are unique to each. Bipolar disorder includes episodes of both manic and depressive episodes, MDD includes only depressive episodes, and mood swings are normal emotional highs and lows. An accurate diagnosis from a mental health professional is essential to successful treatment and management.
