Unipolar depression is another name for major depressive disorder. The term “unipolar” means that this form of depression does not cycle through other mental states, such as mania. In contrast, bipolar conditions cause periods of both depression and mania. Show However, having unipolar depression does not mean that a person is depressed at all times. People with major depressive disorder may experience periods of remission that alternate with periods of depression relapse. They may also feel happier when circumstances change, especially if they have the subtype of major depressive disorder called atypical depression. Unipolar depression is one of the most common mental health diagnoses. As well as producing a depressed or sad mood, it can cause physical symptoms and significant difficulty managing daily tasks and relationships. In 2019, 7.8% of all adults in the United States had at least one major depressive episode. Keep reading to learn more about unipolar depression, including the causes, symptoms, and treatment methods. Unipolar depression is another name for major depressive disorder. This mental health condition affects both mental and physical health. The diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder are as follows: A person must have at least five of the following symptoms:
A person will only meet the criteria for a diagnosis if their depressive symptoms are not due to bipolar disorder or another health condition. Their symptoms must cause significant distress and not be due to medication or a physical health condition. They must also never have experienced a manic episode. The symptoms of depression can also cause secondary symptoms, such as:
People with depression view the world through a distorted lens, which can affect what they think and feel about other people and themselves. As a result, they may experience interpersonal conflicts, low self-esteem, rejection sensitivity, and similar challenges. The primary difference between unipolar depression and bipolar depression is that a person with unipolar depression experiences only depression rather than cycles of depression and mania, which characterize bipolar disorder, or bipolar depression. People with bipolar depression tend to experience periods of depression similar to those of major depressive disorder, but they also experience times of mania, during which their mood is very elevated. During manic episodes, a person might be unusually happy. They may make impulsive or harmful decisions, such as spending too much money. People with unipolar depression are not necessarily always depressed. Some may appear happy, pretend to be happy, or experience times during which their depression symptoms improve. One subtype of major depressive disorder, atypical depression, tends to be chronic. However, it also responds better to changes in circumstances, meaning that a person may be happier and experience fewer symptoms when their situation improves. This is not the same as the mood cycling that occurs with bipolar depression. Major depressive disorder is not the only form of depression. Other forms of depression that are unipolar and do not involve manic episodes include:
Learn more about the different types of depression. Major depressive disorder is a complex condition that has genetic, psychological, social, and interpersonal causes. These factors interact with one another to lead to depression. For example, a person may have a genetic predisposition to depression that trauma or stress then activates, triggering symptoms. Researchers do not fully understand what causes depression, but they do know that disruptions in brain chemicals called neurotransmitters play a role in depression. Antidepressants act on brain chemicals such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, suggesting that these chemicals play an important role in mood. Some risk factors for developing unipolar depression include:
Major depression causes a low and depressed mood. A person may experience the world as primarily negative and be subject to cognitive distortions that affect their relationships, work, and school performance. The symptoms of depression include:
Depression symptoms can cause secondary problems, such as unemployment or inferior academic grades. Various antidepressants can effectively treat depression, with the best option depending on several factors. These include:
A person may need to try several medications or different dosages of the same medication before they get relief from their symptoms. Working with a knowledgeable psychiatrist and talking about side effects and other treatment concerns may help a person find relief faster. Psychotherapy techniques, especially those designed to treat depression, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy, can help a person cope better, implement positive lifestyle changes, and manage life with depression. Electroconvulsive therapy, vagus nerve stimulation, and transcranial magnetic stimulation, which are therapies that directly stimulate the brain, may also help, especially if other treatments prove ineffective. Some people find that they benefit from making lifestyle adjustments, such as exercising more, eating a well-balanced diet, practicing meditation, or starting a new hobby. Depression is difficult to treat and often chronic, which means that a person may experience remission and then a relapse. A depression treatment plan that is comprehensive and includes medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes may help a person cope better during depression relapses. A 2019 study showed that certain factors increase the likelihood of depression remission. These include:
Unipolar depression is another name for major depressive disorder. It can affect virtually every aspect of a person’s life, including their relationships, career, education, and sense of self. Myths about depression can undermine a person’s ability to access or seek treatment. Although major depression is challenging to treat, remission is possible, especially when a person has access to knowledgeable and comprehensive support. People who experience depression should seek prompt mental health care. A primary care physician can often refer a person to a qualified and supportive mental health professional. |