Bipolar Depression Symptoms

Although bipolar depression and unipolar depression (or Major Depressive Disorder) may appear similar, they both have drastically different symptoms. Some symptoms of major depression may not also be bipolar depression symptoms, and vice versa. With bipolar depression, individuals often experience periods of depression & extreme mood swings. Also, with bipolar depression, there is always the chance it could be mixed with bipolar mania–which is called a mixed episode. Here is more information about the difference between bipolar depression and unipolar depression:

Major depressive disorder symptoms

Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism

Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness

Difficulty concentrating

Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed

Difficulty sleeping

Overeating or loss of appetite

Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment

Suicidal thinking & attempts to take own life

Bipolar depression symptoms

Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism

Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness

Difficulty concentrating

Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed

May experience sleep disturbances, or oversleeping

Overeating or loss of appetite

Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment

More attempts to take own life than with major depressive disorder

A profound loss of energy

Severe depression more likely to include psychotic symptoms

Onset of depression occurs at a younger age

More likely to have a co-occurring mental illness, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, or substance abuse

More likely to have a family history of mania

More episodes of depression than with unipolar depression

Use of antidepressants—without concurrent use of a mood-stabilizer—may cause hypomania or mania

Here are articles and blog posts relating to bipolar depression symptoms: