Is MDD the same as bipolar 2?

Background. Bipolar disorder II (BPII) and unipolar depression (UD) are both characterized by episodes of major depression (MDE), however DSM-IV criteria for MDE are identical, regardless of diagnosis. As a result, misdiagnosis of BP II and UD is common, leading to inappropriate treatment.

Is MDD the same as bipolar?

Bipolar disorder (sometimes called manic depression) is different. If you have it, you have extreme mood swings. You experience periods of depression (similar to MDD). But you also have periods of great highs.

Can you have MDD and bipolar 2?

Major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder are two separate conditions — you can’t be diagnosed with both at the same time. But that’s because diagnostic criteria for bipolar disorder II includes MDD. Of course, it is possible to be misdiagnosed.

Is MDD lifelong?

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is potentially a long-term or even lifelong illness for many patients, and maintenance therapy is designed to prevent relapse in patients with recurrent depression who have achieved remission.

How long does a manic episode last bipolar 2?

Conclusions: As BP-II patients almost never present clinically in a hypomanic episode, the retrospective assessment of the duration of these episodes is clinically unavoidable. Most hypomanias last from 2 days to a few weeks.

What triggers MDD?

The exact cause of MDD isn’t known. However, several factors can increase your risk of developing the condition. A combination of genes and stress can affect brain chemistry and reduce the ability to maintain mood stability. Changes in the balance of hormones might also contribute to the development of MDD.

How long can MDD last?

Major depressive disorder (MDD) MDD episodes can last between 6 and 18 months or longer. If you start treatment soon after you experience the first symptoms, you might be more likely to recover and prevent future episodes.

What is the difference between bipolar II and major depression?

A bipolar II diagnosis requires a pattern of depressive and hypomanic episodes. Major, or unipolar depression, is characterized by persistent periods of sadness, without the high, manic phases of bipolar depression.

What is the clinical presentation of major depressive disorder in bipolar disorder?

The clinical presentation of a major depressive episode in a bipolar disorder patient does not differ substantially from that of a patient with major depressive disorder (unipolar depression).

Can bipolar disorder be misdiagnosed as major depressive disorder (unipolar depression)?

Therefore, it is not surprising that without proper screening and comprehensive evaluation many patients with bipolar disorder may be misdiagnosed with major depressive disorder (unipolar depression).

What is the difference between a major depressive episode and BP-I?

While those with BP-I may also experience major depressive episodes, a major depressive episode is not a diagnostic requirement. Major depressive episodes involve persisting depressed mood or anhedonia (the inability to feel pleasure) for at least two weeks.