Differences between Major Depression and Bipolar Disorder - Essay Example

I plan to educate the family on the difference between bipolar disorder and major depression and treatment. I will also clarify hereditary issues of bipolar disorder.

Differences between major depression and bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder presents itself in two different forms. A patient may experience high moments in life that are indicated by extreme joy and energy. On the other hand, the patient may undergo low moments that manifest in depression. However, depression is indicated by symptoms that stay for a long and influence an individual’s daily tasks. Generally, depression is a mood illness triggered by the incorporation of environmental, biological, genetic, and psychological aspects. Depression influences the body and mind-affecting physical, feelings, and behavior and thoughts states. A patient with bipolar disorder faces mood swings that manifest in feelings of loneliness, helplessness, weakness, sadness, and depression. The tell signs and symptoms of depression include a lack of interest in hobbies, and feeling irritable and sad.

The illness can also inhibit eating and sleep and can be the root of unexplained stomachaches and headaches. Depression can also result in aspiration to be alone, aggression, and quarrelsome conduct that put pressure on relationships with friends and families. The illness also interferes with the ability of the individual to recall events and concentration which affects academic performance. In other cases, patients have ideas of committing suicide or death (Leonard & Jovinelly, 2012). All these symptoms are different for various people. From the mentioned symptoms, the patient in question suffers from bipolar disorder as per her high and low moods as witnessed by the family. The mentioned patient developed a depressed mood over one week, and thus is not suffering from major depression as in major depression the signs and symptoms persist for a minimum of two weeks and above (Moragne, 2011).

The difference in treatment between the two disorders
To treat bipolar disorder, a bio-psychosocial approach is used. The patient has to be enrolled in a comprehensive case management program where he/she will access care, and receive evidence-based pharmacotherapy and psychoeducation. Moreover, the family is to take part in this treatment program so that each member may be educated about this condition. This has proven to give better results in patients with the disease (Ketter, 2010). Major depression is treated using psychotherapy which is the unwary interpersonal association where intra-psychic, developmental, and social aspects related to individual distress are assessed. Particular theory intervention and additional nonspecific and general elements produce conclusive results (Reinecke & Davison, 2002). Additionally, the family has to take part in this program for education and support purposes.
Why this patient may seem happy one week and depressed the next

Bipolar disorder is an illness that is brought about by extreme changes in moods that occur suddenly. This means that the patient may seem happy for one week and depressed the next due to the changing moods.

Is bipolar disorder a hereditary disorder?
For more clarification, bipolar disorder has a powerful hereditary element, and the commonness is not affected by social or personal difficulties. This implies that patients with bipolar disorder have relatives close to them suffering from mood swings (Vieta, 2013). Although bipolar disorder is not proven that it is passed on from parents it is assumed that most genes with low connecting effects add to the illness. From the research conducted on twins, the possibility of inheriting bipolar disorder is estimated to be 79% (p. 23). Likewise, people with close family members suffering from depression are at higher risk of developing the illness compared to those who do not have a history of the disease (Kittleson & Denkmire, 2005). This is confirmed by data printed by the National Institute for Mental Health that proposed that there is a powerful hereditary element to mental diseases (p. 120). Read More