Q: how can you tell the difference between bipolar and depression
Hi there
This is a really good question and one I have wondered about as well. To my understanding an individual diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder experiences periods of depression as well as mania. Yet what constitutes mania can be a little tricky and can be on a continuum. Many people who have Bipolar Disorder will go undiagnosed for a long time.
We have a quiz here on Health Central to help differentiate the these two types of mood disorders which you may find here. Please note that only a qualified mental health professional can give you a diagnosis.
And if you want to know more about Bipolar Disorder please visit our Bipolar site here on Health Central.
I hope this helps some! Thank you for your question.
A person that is only depressed doesnt have manic episodes, but a person that is bipolar can have manic episodes as well as depressed episodes. In general terms of recognition I would say that when I was growing up I had a brother that was very bipolar(going from one extreme to the other). One moment he was very pleasant, the next moment he is throwing a newspaper at you thru a plate glass window.
Hope this helps,
Pat
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