DEPRESSION – UNIPOLAR/BIPOLAR

University of Phoenix PSY / 270 – ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY: ABUSE, ADDICTION, AND DISORDERS

Instructor: CHRIS SHREVE

Sherri “Renee” Sanders

9/7/2013

Unipolar is a state of depression that while in some the symptoms are less severe. It

typically doesn’t impeded ones’ ability to function normally. For others the symptoms are very severe and

it becomes impossible for many to even get out of bed.

To compare the differences, Bi-polar is a state of depression that is often comes after an episode

of manic moods. The depression stage of bi-polar disorder and unipolar are almost the same by

observation. It is the manic stage of bi-polar disorder where the two begin to differ and branch off into

other directions. (Cassano, 2005).

Some additional symptoms of these two disorders can be but are not limited to irritability, lack of

or loss of sleep, loss of appetite, extreme mood swings, lack of motivation, lack of interest in normal

things that individuals would enjoy or previous hobbies. There can be feelings that range from overwhelm

and hopelessness to the extreme of over excitement and an over-zealous reaction/response. (mania) to

insignificant events.

To futher specify, Unipolar disorder is where a person suffers from severe depression that robs of

any enjoyment, effectiveness in life, feelings of anger can erupt, sadness, and a loss of sense of humor.

Many will have a negative outlook; some will have thoughts of harming themselves. (Cassano, 2005).

Symptoms will vary from person to person. Some become so depressed that

they cannot function while others go about their day normally but have not enjoyment in activities

and lack of motivation.

Treatments for unipolar depression are Electroconvulsive Therapy which is

controversial treatment. Patients find that after six to twelve of this treatment will lessen their

depression, though side effects can include memory loss and gaps in their distant memory, this can clear

up in a few months or can be permanent. Medication is another treatment and has

become the most popular way to treat depression (Comer, 2005).

It was surprising to learn, that the causes of bi-polar disorder are still relatively unknown;

It is believed the disorder is genetic and those with a family history of bi-polar are at a

higher risk to have it. In my experience with bi-polar, I believe these disorders are in fact more

genetic and those with a family history are more likely to be predisposed to suffer,

as with my step-son with bi-polar, inheriting it from his biological