unipolar depression

[fifty]

i have just been diagnosed with this which is more severe unipolar or bipolar

[missrat]

Most doctors would say they are 'different' although others now believe that there is a spectrum, ranging from pure unipolar at one end to clear bipolar at the other..

In unipolar depression, which is more common, there are only 'lows' which may vary in severity - from mild to acutely suicidal, refusing food, psychotic symptoms etc. In bipolar, there are 'low' periods but also periods of elation, acceleration, irritability or 'mixed states' where symptoms of depression and highs (mania) or lesser highs (hypomania) occur. By its nature, bipolar illness is recurrent, but again severity varies - although the more severe type - Bipolar 1 may include psychosis.

The two types often respond to different treatment.