“My doctor says I have bipolar depression. But what does that mean?”
What is Bipolar Depression?
Bipolar depression is part of a larger condition called bipolar disorder. Specifically, the “lows” that you may be feeling, those moments of hopelessness, these are the possible symptoms of the depressive moments associated with bipolar disorder. Bipolar depression is a lifelong condition that creates unusual mood changes that can vary in length and severity. You can go from feeling revved up and euphoric to feeling down and hopeless.
“What's the difference between unipolar depression and bipolar depression?”
While there are many forms of depression, bipolar depression is oftentimes misdiagnosed as unipolar depression. It should also be treated differently. To help ensure a proper diagnosis, be sure to tell your doctor what you are feeling and experiencing.
You may be experiencing “lows.” But have you also had “high” moments? Are there times when you are energized or really agitated? These “highs” are what may indicate you have bipolar I disorder. The fact you have highs eliminates the possibility that you have unipolar depression. These “lows” associated with bipolar disorder are what identifies your condition as bipolar depression.
Use this Doctor Discussion Guide to have a conversation with your doctor about your condition, your medications, or other questions you feel are important.
What are the ways bipolar depression can impact my life?
For people living with bipolar depression, there may be significant influences on daily life, from symptoms to the depressive episodes themselves.
Have depressive episodes affected you?
For people living with bipolar depression, there are 3x as many depressive episodes as manic ones. And those episodes often last 50% longer.
People living with bipolar depression often talk about losing out on things they enjoy. Do you find yourself missing time with your family? Or struggling with your social life? What about work or school? The point is: you are not alone.
“What's the science behind bipolar depression?”
Dopamine:
Science has shown that
dopamine is associated with thoughts and
emotions. It also helps control movement in your body. A decrease in this neurotransmitter
may slow your movement and even your motivation. While an increase has the opposite effect,
resulting in increased movement and motivation.
Serotonin:
Serotonin is a chemical
released in your brain by nerve cells.
This chemical acts as a messenger to control your mood. Decreased serotonin levels may be
linked to sadness or dips in your mood; an increase to a boost in your mood.
There are two neurotransmitters in your brain that may play a role in bipolar disorder. And each has a different function.
Serotonin
Dopamine
5 Signs it might be Bipolar Depression
Take a look at the signs. If they sound familiar to you, it may be time to take the Mood Disorder Questionnaire. You can answer the questions and share them with your doctor to help screen for bipolar disorder.
Having one sign alone does not mean you have bipolar depression.
Having sad, empty, or hopeless feelings most of the time
A depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day, is a possible sign of bipolar depression.
Trouble sleeping at night and staying awake during the day
Insomnia (difficulty failing and/or staying asleep) and hypersomnia (sleepiness during the day) are possible signs of bipolar depression.
Often feeling worthless or very guilty
Nearly every day, having an excessive or inappropriate level of these feelings is a possible sign of bipolar depression.
Work, family, and/or social life are suffering
Symptoms causing a significant effect on these important areas of life are a possible sign of bipolar depression.
At times feeling very euphoric, revved up, and/or irritable
These feelings are ways to describe mania. Bipolar I disorder includes manic episodes.
Please see Important Safety Information, including Boxed Warning, below and full Prescribing Information.
the mood disorder questionnaire
Take this printout to your next appointment, and share the answers with the doctor. This may help you talk about how you’re doing. Together, you can find the best treatment to help with your symptoms.
Please note: For your security, we do not collect or save your personal information. Also, the answers shown on this printout will not be saved.
Mood Disorder Questionnaire
Please see Important Safety Information, including Boxed Warning, below and full Prescribing Information.
the doctor discussion guide
Take this printout to your next appointment, and share the answers with the doctor. This may help you talk about how you’re doing. Together, you can find the right treatment to help with your symptoms.
Please note: For your security, we do not collect or save your personal information. Also, the answers shown on this printout will not be saved.
"My doctor recently diagnosed me with
bipolar depression. Now what?"
First thing's first...talk to your doctor. And keep talking to your doctor. It's not just about finding the right medicine. It's being honest about how you feel. It will help you and your doctor find the right treatment plan for you.
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Helpful resources for you
You don't have to do this alone. Hear from others struggling with bipolar depression and learn about organizations you can join.
What is the difference between bipolar depression and bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is the name of the condition. Bipolar depression is the "low" or depressed phase of bipolar disorder. Watch a video for more detailed information about bipolar disorder and bipolar depression.
What are the symptoms of bipolar depression?
Your experience with bipolar disorder is unique, but some similarities among people with the condition do exist. People will experience periods of stable mood and behavior. They will also experience periods of abnormally excited or elevated mood, or mania. People diagnosed with bipolar depression will have had at least one depressive episode.
Symptoms of bipolar depression include the following:
- Sadness
- Change in appetite
- Change in sleep and energy
- Agitation
- Feelings of worthlessness
- Guilt
- Hopelessness
- Poor concentration
- Thoughts of death or suicide
- Mood changes – ups and downs
- Speech disruptions
Is there a test to see if I have bipolar depression?
No. Bipolar depression is the depressive phase of a larger condition called "bipolar disorder." It’s not easy to diagnose the symptoms of bipolar depression—there’s no quiz you can take, blood test or scan to determine whether or not you have it. Only a health care professional can confirm your bipolar depression symptoms. Before you visit your doctor, you can use this short Mood Disorder Questionnaire to help guide your discussion. The MDQ is appropriate for adults, 18 and over.
Is bipolar depression hereditary?
Bipolar disorder is seen more often in people with a sibling or parent (a first-degree relative) who have the condition. Research is being done to try to determine the genes that may be linked to bipolar disorder.
How long does bipolar depression last?
Bipolar disorder is a chronic condition. That means it is lifelong and there is no cure. But for many people, the symptoms can be managed with treatment.
How do I explain bipolar depression symptoms to other people?
It is important to speak to your doctor about how you’re feeling and the symptoms you may be struggling with. To help get your conversation started, you can download our LATUDA Doctor Discussion Guide.
Talking to my friends and family
Knowing what to say to friends and family can be challenging. Watch this short video for ideas on how to talk about bipolar depression to your loved ones.
