Could it be bipolar depression ?

The prevalence of depression is around 10 to 15 times higher the prevalence of Bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is characterized by episodes of mania or episodes of mania alternating with depression. The risk of developing an antidepressant induced switch to mania, increases drastically if one does suffer from bipolar illness.

This could potentially complicate the treatment process and delay recovery. It becomes imperative that you mention these symptoms to your healthcare provider if you are to be started on antidepressants. If you are someone suffering from depression and are about to start treatment,  you need to read on !

Here are the features that suggest bipolarity.

1. Agitated depression – Agitated depression or melancholia agita is when the usual psychomotor slowing of depression is replaced by motor agitation and racing thoughts. Often accompanied by overt behavioral outbursts. Agitated depression is often seen among the adolescents and the elderly.
2. Severe depression and depression with psychotic features – Depression associated with symptoms such as delusions (firmly held false beliefs) and hallucinations (abnormal perceptions) is more likely to be bipolar.
3. A labile personality with frequently shifting moods.
4. A family history of bipolar disorder.
5. Atypical depression – Wherein the vegetative symptoms are reversed i.e: increased appetite, increased sleep and sometimes an increased libido.
6. Recurrent episodes of depression (more than five) with an onset less than the age of 25.
7. A history of episodic substance use problems.
8. A seasonal variation in mood.

The presence of these features do not contraindicate the use of antidepressants, however symptoms of mania will have to watched for prudently. Depression and bipolar illness can be managed effectively, if help is sought at the right time . A variety of therapeutic interventions are available both in terms of pharmacology and psychotherapy to treat and prevent further mood episodes.

Learn more about depression here, Learn more about bipolar disorder here .