What Does Manic Depression Mean

What Does Manic Depression Mean Depression Types Print The Meaning of Manic Depression The Mood Disorder That Became Bipolar Disorder By Nancy Schimelpfening Nancy Schimelpfening, MS is the administrator for the non-profit depression support group Depression Sanctuary. Nancy has a lifetime of experience with depression, experiencing firsthand how devastating this illness can be. Learn about our editorial policy Nancy Schimelpfening Reviewed by Reviewed by Amy Morin, LCSW on November 27, 2019 facebook twitter instagram Amy Morin, LCSW, is a psychotherapist, author of the bestselling book 13 Things Mentally Strong People Dont Do, and a highly sought-after speaker. Learn about our Wellness Board Amy Morin, LCSW Updated on February 10, 2020 Bipolar Disorder Overview Symptoms & Diagnosis Causes Treatment Living With In Children Your Rights Benjavisa / Getty Images In This Article Table of Contents Expand Overview Bipolar vs. Manic Depression Symptoms of Mania Symptoms of Depression Bipolar vs. Depression Diagnosis View All Manic depression is an older term for what is now referred to as bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder, which is the official terminology used in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders  (DSM-5), is a reference to a persons swings from the manic pole of the disorder to the depressive pole. The change from manic depression to bipolar disorder was made in 1980. It was done to include symptoms such as hypomania and exclude some others while attempting to reduce the stigma associated with the disorder. What Is Bipolar Disorder? Bipolar disorder is actually a group of mood disorders characterized by cyclical disturbances in mood, thoughts, and behavior. These disorders consist of alternating periods of elevated, expansive, or irritable moods, called manic episodes. They also include periods of feeling worthless, a lack of concentration, and fatigue called depressive episodes. The disorders differ in the severity of these two phases. An Overview of Bipolar Disorder Bipolar I Bipolar I disorder is the diagnosis for people who have had at least one episode of mania or mixed episodes (exhibiting symptoms of both depression and mania during the same period of time). Updates to the DSM  specify that a person with mania must present with an elated or irritable mood or both, in addition to increased energy or activity. Also, the excessive involvement in activities that are a marker for manic episodes no longer needs to be pleasurable, as in previous versions of the diagnostic criteria.?? Bipolar II Bipolar II disorder is the diagnosis for people who have had both hypomania (a milder form of mania) and major depressive episodes.?? The old description of manic depression did not include hypomania  or the consequences that may occur with less than a full manic episode. Cyclothymia Cyclothymia is the diagnosis for people who have had chronic fluctuations between hypomania and milder, subclinical depression for at least two years.??  In addition, the DSM-5 criteria  clarify that hypomanic or depressive symptoms  must be present for at least half of the time during the  required two-year period. Bipolar Disorder vs. Manic Depression A critical point in distinguishing bipolar disorder from major depressive disorder is whether the person has had a manic episode. For someone to be diagnosed with bipolar disorder, they must have had a manic episode lasting for at least one week or a hypomanic episode lasting for at least four days.?? Why Did Manic Depression Become Bipolar Disorder? In the past, manic depression was generally used to denote a wide array of mental illnesses. It was also a term that quickly became stigmatized. As classification systems became more sophisticated, the new term bipolar disorder allowed for more clarity in diagnosis, which has also provided a clinical term that  is less emotionally loaded. Why Manic Depression Became Bipolar Disorder Symptoms of Mania The experience of what is known as mania is one part of the symptoms associated with bipolar disorder. It comes with its own set of symptoms, which include:?? GrandiosityDecreased need for sleepPressured speechRacing thoughtsDistractibilityExcessive energyA tendency to engage in behavior that could have serious consequences, such as spending recklessly or unprotected sex Symptoms of Major Depression Major depression, on the other hand, is an experience that lives on the other end of the bipolar spectrum. It can also be experienced by people who are not diagnosed with bipolar. Symptoms of major depression include:?? Decreased energySevere withdrawal from normal activitiesWeight loss or gainDespairIrritabilityUncontrollable cryingThoughts of, or attempts at, suicideHallucinations and/or delusions Bipolar Disorder vs. Major Depression You may have heard of people who were first diagnosed with depression but later diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and this can be confusing. How can you tell the difference? Keep in mind that the hallmark of bipolar disorder is the presence of episodes of mania or hypomania. These are not present in major depression. Another common question thats asked is Can depression turn into bipolar disorder? The answer to that question is no, depression doesnt transition into bipolar disorder later on. However, it is possible for someone to be diagnosed while they are in the depressive phase, which may result in a diagnosis of depression.?? At the time, they may not recall or be asked about symptoms of mania or hypomania that would lead to a bipolar diagnosis. Later on, with more careful questioning, or with the occurrence of a manic or hypomanic episode, the diagnosis of bipolar may become clear. Overview of Clinically Significant Depression Diagnosis The  symptoms of bipolar disorder  can be quite complex and vary for each person.  A doctor, psychiatrist, or psychologist will ask you questions to get a clearer picture of your symptoms and overall mental health. These questions often focus on the type of symptoms you are experiencing, how long you have had these symptoms, and whether you have any family history of related mental conditions. Your doctor or psychiatrist will also rule out other medical and mental health conditions that may be causing your symptoms, such as hypothyroidism, alcohol or substance use, borderline personality disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), panic disorder, schizophrenia, and other depressive disorders. As professionals in the field of psychiatry continue to study bipolar disorder, the diagnosis and treatment options are being refined.?? Its an ongoing process, but one that many are hopeful will further improve the guidelines that psychiatrists use to help those dealing with the condition. Symptoms and Diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder A Word From Verywell Bipolar disorder is a complex mental health condition that can be difficult to understand. It can take a toll on the person dealing with it, as well as their family and friends. The good news is that treatment is available, so if you have concerns, speak to your doctor or seek out the help of a psychiatrist. Its also good to remember that youre not alone. The stigma surrounding the disorder has been reduced in recent years, and many peopleâ€"including a number of celebritiesâ€"are talking openly about their journey. The Best Online Resources for Depression