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