The change from “manic depression” to “bipolar disorder” was made in 1980.
What Is Bipolar Disorder?
These disorders consist of alternating periods of elevated, expansive, or irritable moods, calledmanic episodes.
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They also include periods of feeling worthless, a lack of concentration, and fatigue calleddepressive episodes.
The disorders differ in the severity of these two phases.
Why Did Manic Depression Become Bipolar Disorder?
In the past, “manic depression” was generally used to denote a wide array of mental illnesses.
It was also a term that quickly becamestigmatized.
What Does Manic Mean?
When a person has a manic episode, they experience an extreme shift in mood.
It can also be experienced by people who are not diagnosed with bipolar.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
How can you tell the difference?
Keep in mind that the hallmark of bipolar disorder is the presence of episodes of mania or hypomania.
These are not present in major depression.
Another common question that’s asked is “Can depression turn into bipolar disorder?”
The answer to that question is no, depression doesn’t transition into bipolar disorder later on.
Causes of Manic Depression/Bipolar Disorder
The exact causes of bipolar disorder are not known.
It can take a toll on the person dealing with it, as well as their family and friends.
It’s also good to remember that you’re not alone.
Kaltenboeck A, Winkler D, Kasper S.Bipolar and related disorders in DSM-5 and ICD-10.CNS Spectr.
Here’s what experts say.
Culpepper, L.The diagnosis and treatment of bipolar disorder: Decision-making in primary care.Prim Care Companion CNS Disord.
2014;16(3):13r01609.
doi:10.4088/PCC.13r01609
Tolentino, JC Schmidt, SL.DSM-5 Criteria and depression severity: Implications for clinical practice.Front Psych.
2018;9:450. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00450
Vohringer PA, Perlis RH.Discriminating between bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder.Psychiatr Clin North Am.
2016;39(1):1-10. doi:10.1016/j.psc.2015.10.001
National Institute of Mental Health.Bipolar disorder.
Gordovez FJA, McMahon FJ.The genetics of bipolar disorder.Mol Psychiatry.
2012;143(1-3):196-202. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2012.05.052.
