Question
What is the main difference between major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder?
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The main difference between major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder lies in the presence and nature of mood episodes.
1. **Major Depressive Disorder**: MDD is characterized primarily by one or more episodes of major depression, which includes persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and lack of interest or pleasure in activities. Symptoms must last for at least two weeks and can also include changes in sleep, appetite, energy levels, and difficulty concentrating. However, individuals with MDD do not experience manic or hypomanic episodes.
2. **Bipolar Disorder**: Bipolar disorder involves mood swings that include episodes of depression similar to those in MDD, but it is also marked by the presence of manic episodes (or hypomanic episodes, which are less severe). A manic episode includes symptoms such as elevated mood, increased energy, grandiosity, decreased need for sleep, and impulsive behavior. The fluctuation between depressive and manic states is a defining feature of bipolar disorder.
In summary, the key distinction is that bipolar disorder features fluctuations between depressive and manic states, while major depressive disorder is characterized solely by depressive episodes.
1. **Major Depressive Disorder**: MDD is characterized primarily by one or more episodes of major depression, which includes persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and lack of interest or pleasure in activities. Symptoms must last for at least two weeks and can also include changes in sleep, appetite, energy levels, and difficulty concentrating. However, individuals with MDD do not experience manic or hypomanic episodes.
2. **Bipolar Disorder**: Bipolar disorder involves mood swings that include episodes of depression similar to those in MDD, but it is also marked by the presence of manic episodes (or hypomanic episodes, which are less severe). A manic episode includes symptoms such as elevated mood, increased energy, grandiosity, decreased need for sleep, and impulsive behavior. The fluctuation between depressive and manic states is a defining feature of bipolar disorder.
In summary, the key distinction is that bipolar disorder features fluctuations between depressive and manic states, while major depressive disorder is characterized solely by depressive episodes.