whats the difference between manic depression and bipolar?

5 Comments

1. HoffDNA says:

   July 28, 2010 at 9:13 am

   Different names for the same thing. I think bipolar is the preferred name.
2. want to travel says:

   July 28, 2010 at 9:59 am

   Manic depression and bipolar are the same, although manic depression implies an elevation in mood, then a drop into depression, whereas bipolar implies more of an elevation of mood. The key to understanding bipolar 1 and 2 is understanding where is the prevalent mood- is the person up most of the time, or are they down most of the time? Medications help to stabilize these moods to become more “normal”, and in effect, curb some of the behaviors associated with bipolar, such as tangential thought, pressured speech, reckless spending or sex, etc.
3. billy25685 says:

   July 28, 2010 at 10:18 am

   manic depressives have major mood swings in one direction while bipolar has great joy and feelings of freedom accompanied by depression. no idea on type 1 & 2.
4. michele says:

   July 28, 2010 at 10:49 am

   Bipolar disorder is the new diagnostic name for manic depression (it is the same illness).

   The difference between Bipolar I and II is in the severity of the manic episodes. Folks with bipolar II, by definition, have NEVER experienced a full blown manic episode. Rather, they experience episodes of both major depression and hypomania.
5. Iowa Woman says:

   July 28, 2010 at 11:12 am

   There is no difference between the terms manic depression and bipolar disorder. Manic depression is simply the “older” medical term used. Bipolar disorder is also described in type one or two, cyclothymic disorder, and bipolar disorder not otherwise specified. DSM IV lists 6 criteria for bipolar one based on the type of episode a person has last experienced; single manic episode, most recent episode hypomanic, most recent episode manic, most recent episode mixed, most recent episode depressed,and most recent episode unspecificed. Bipolar 2 has episodes of both hypomania and major depression. If the person hasn’t shown major depression but has episodes of mild depression Bipolar with cyclothymia is diagnosed. Bipolar not otherwise specified means that there are bipolar features but the full criteria has not been met.