Bipolar Disorder and Other Conditions
Bipolar disorder can be difficult to diagnose and complex to treat. Part of the problem is that it may look like other illnesses, or it may occur along with other conditions.
Bipolar Disorder and Unipolar Depression
Although the symptoms are almost identical, there are key differences between bipolar disorder and clinical, or “unipolar,” depression:
- Bipolar disorder appears to have a stronger genetic component than depression
- Bipolar disorder affects men and women in equal numbers, while twice as many women as men suffer from depression
- Bipolar disorder has an earlier age of onset, and the episodes of mania and depression seem to occur more often
- People with bipolar disorder don't respond as well to antidepressants as those with unipolar depression
Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia
Severe bipolar mania may resemble the symptoms of schizophrenia. However, these 2 conditions are quite different in a number of notable ways:
- Schizophrenia tends to interfere more severely with a person's functioning, especially in the area of memory
- People with bipolar disorder are more likely than those with schizophrenia to have periods of remission
Bipolar Disorder and Substance Abuse
Alcohol or drug abuse is very common among people with bipolar disorder. A person with untreated bipolar disorder may turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to cope with the effects of the disease. This can make the diagnosis and treatment much more difficult.
For more information about bipolar disorder and other conditions, visit the Bipolar Help Center.
Talk to Your Doctor
If you have additional questions or concerns about this topic, talk to your doctor.
