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How Is Bipolar Depression Different From Unipolar Depression?

How Is Bipolar Depression Different From Unipolar Depression?

Depression is a condition that affects many people around the world. 

It can be classified as either bipolar or unipolar, depending on the types of symptoms exhibited. While there are some similarities between the two types of depression, there are also some crucial differences. 

This article will explore those differences in more detail, learn how to differentiate both forms of depression, and discover how ketamine therapy has shown great promise in treating these conditions.

Let’s begin with bipolar depression.

What Is Bipolar Depression?

Bipolar depression is a type of depression characterized by extreme mood swings. Patients with bipolar depression may experience periods of intense mania, followed by episodes of deep sadness and despair. 

This type of depression can be complicated to treat, as the patient’s moods can change rapidly and without warning. As a result, it can be challenging for doctors to find the right treatment plan for each individual patient. 

What Are the Symptoms of Bipolar Depression?

The symptoms of bipolar depression can vary from person to person, but some common symptoms are often seen in patients with this condition. These include: 

  • Feeling extremely sad or hopeless
  • Having thoughts of suicide or self-harm
  • Feeling restless and agitated
  • Experiencing changes in appetite or weight
  • Having problems sleeping
  • Feeling tired and drained all the time
  • Having difficulty concentrating or making decisions
  • Experiencing mood swings that are difficult to control 

What Causes Bipolar Depression?

The cause of bipolar depression is not yet fully understood, but it is thought to be due to genetic and environmental factors. 

Some people may be more likely to develop bipolar depression due to their genes, while stressful or traumatic events may trigger the condition in others. 

Some other common causes of bipolar depression include: 

  • Substance abuse
  • Chronic stress
  • Relationship problems
  • Poor coping skills
  • History of trauma or abuse 

It is important to note that not everyone who experiences these factors will develop bipolar depression. However, they may increase the risk of developing the condition. 

How Is Bipolar Depression Diagnosed?

Both bipolar depression and unipolar depression are generally diagnosed in the same ways. However, there are a few key differences that can help doctors to differentiate between the two conditions. 

One of the essential factors in diagnosing bipolar depression is history. 

Patients with bipolar depression will often have a history of mania or hypomania, which is not typically seen in patients with unipolar depression. Mania is defined as a sudden burst of high energy or euphoria that typically lasts about a week. Hypomania is a less intense form of mania characterized by a shorter duration of time — usually lasting around three or four days.

Additionally, patients with bipolar depression may experience more severe symptoms and have a more challenging time recovering from their episodes. 

In order to make a diagnosis, your doctor will likely ask you about your family history, past medical history, and current mental state. They may also perform a physical exam and order some blood tests to rule out other causes of your symptoms.

How Is Bipolar Depression Typically Treated?

Treatments for bipolar depression can vary depending on the patient’s condition, as the best plan for each individual will vary depending on their symptoms and preferences. However, some of the most common treatments include: 

  • Psychotherapy
  • Medication therapy
  • Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
  • Bright light therapy 

Some people may also find alternative treatments such as yoga or meditation to help manage their bipolar depression. 

Now let’s take a look at unipolar depression.

What Is Unipolar Depression?

Unipolar depression is a type of depression that is not characterized by extreme mood swings. 

Patients with unipolar depression typically experience feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and emptiness, but their moods do not fluctuate as much as those of patients with bipolar depression. 

What Are the Symptoms of Unipolar Depression?

The symptoms of unipolar depression are very similar to bipolar depression and can vary from person to person. Some common symptoms include:

  • Feeling sad or hopeless most of the time
  • Having little interest in activities that used to be enjoyable
  • Experiencing problems with sleep, appetite, and energy levels
  • Feeling restless and agitated
  • Feeling worthless or hopeless about oneself 

Again, these symptoms can vary from person to person, so it is essential to consult with a doctor if you are experiencing any of them. 

What Causes Unipolar Depression?

Unfortunately, the cause for both bipolar depression and unipolar depression cannot be narrowed down to one specific trigger. Instead, just like bipolar depression, the cause seems to stem from a combination of genetic and environmental factors, as mentioned above. 

Some of the most common causes of unipolar depression include: 

  • Stressful life events or traumatic experiences
  • Relationship problems
  • Substance abuse
  • Chronic health problems
  • Low self-esteem or feeling inadequate 

How Is Unipolar Depression Diagnosed?

Unipolar depression is differentiated from bipolar depression by the absence of episodes of mania or hypomania. 

Just like bipolar depression, unipolar depression is generally diagnosed by your doctor asking about your family history, past medical history, and current mental state. 

Advanced Wellness and Pain: Providing Ketamine Therapy for Bipolar and Unipolar Depression

If you are struggling with bipolar or unipolar depression, Advanced Wellness and Pain may be able to help. Our team of experts provides ketamine therapy for both conditions, and we have had great success in assisting patients in managing their symptoms and finding relief. 

What Is Ketamine Therapy?

Ketamine therapy is a relatively new treatment option that has been shown to be successful in managing symptoms of bipolar and unipolar depression. 

Ketamine is a medication that works as an NMDA receptor antagonist, which helps to improve mood and reduce symptoms. 

How Is Ketamine Therapy Administered?

The ketamine is administered through an IV, and the entire treatment process typically takes about an hour. Most patients find that they experience considerable and immediate relief from their symptoms as the treatment begins. 

Is Ketamine Therapy Safe?

Yes, ketamine therapy is safe when administered by a qualified healthcare professional. In fact, it has been used for years as an anesthetic medication in both humans and animals. 

So, if you’re ready to start feeling better, please contact Advanced Wellness and Pain today to schedule a consultation. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have and work with you to tailor a treatment plan around your specific needs.

Click the link below to get in touch with us today!

[Contact Advanced Wellness and Pain Today]

James T. Leathem, DO

Dr. James Leathem is a board-certified anesthesiologist and a member of the American Society of Anesthesiologists. He was born and raised in Connecticut and graduated from Florida Southern College with a bachelor of science in marketing management with minors in sociology and communications. He obtained his medical degree from Midwestern University’s Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his residency in anesthesiology at Michigan State University and its affiliated McLaren Greater Lansing Hospital.

In 2015, after residency, Dr. Leathem returned to Arizona to practice anesthesiology. He joined Red Mountain Anesthesiologists and worked primarily at Banner Baywood Medical Center in Mesa, performing 100% of his own cases. He was made partner in the group after demonstrating 3 years of anesthesia excellence and administering over 4,000 anesthetics. In 2019, a corporate change occurred and an opportunity presented itself in which he was able to transition out of the hospital to surgery center and clinic-based anesthesia.

Dr. Leathem realizes that the only constant in life is change. In 2020, amidst the global pandemic, his career took a different direction. This change led him to collaborate with Dr. Wong and Dr. Sharma and they founded Advanced Wellness and Pain (AWAP). Their mission is to provide a variety of state-of-the-art procedural services that improve patients’ quality of life and overall physical and mental well-being.

Dr. Leathem believes that we are all a work in progress and that each day, one should strive to make positive changes in their life. He is here to help empower each patient on their journey to be their best self and live their best life. When you are being cared for by Dr. Leathem, you can be assured that he will give you his undivided attention and time.

Gregory Wong, MD

Dr. Wong is a Board-Certified Anesthesiologist and a member of both the American Society of Anesthesiology and the Arizona Society of Anesthesiology. He did his undergraduate training at the University of California at Davis, Davis, California; doctorate training at The University of Health Sciences of the Chicago Medical School, North Chicago, IL; and his post-doctoral training at the Integrated Program at the University of Arizona, Phoenix, AZ. He has spent his whole 24-year career practicing in Arizona.

Dr. Wong grew up in the Bay Area of California. He is married and is raising three daughters. At the early age of 12 years old, he knew he wanted to become a physician. His love of the human spirit, intrigue of human physiology, and compassion for human suffering led him to the path of anesthesiology and pain medicine.

Today, Dr. Wong realizes patients need a holistic biophysical-mental-spiritual care. This philosophy has brought him to the studies of regenerative medicine and infusion therapies. He has firsthandily witnessed the overwhelming success of these therapies for treating chronic pain and depression and the return of patients of “life-functionality.”

“There has never been a time more important than now to advocate for our patients in these difficult times. We owe it to our patients to offer these state-of-the-art treatment modalities that weren’t available before.”

Deepak Sharma, MD, MBA

Dr. Sharma is a Board Certified Anesthesiologist and a member of the American Society of Anesthesiologists. He completed three degrees at Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA: a Bachelor in Finance, a Master in Business Administration, and a Doctor of Medicine. He went on to complete residency at the Mount Sinai Morningside-West Hospital System in New York, NY and post-graduate fellowship at Stanford Medical Center in Palo Alto, CA.

Dr. Sharma is committed to treating his patients as a whole with a comprehensive biophysical-mental-spiritual approach. He is a lifelong learner and is constantly researching cutting-edge therapies backed by scientific studies. He has taken a particular interest in regenerative and infusion therapies after witnessing firsthand their significant benefits on those suffering from chronic pain and depression. In his free time, Dr. Sharma enjoys spending time with his family and friends, hiking, traveling, reading, and meditation.

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