What is Depression?

Everyone knows what it's like to feel sad, down, or "blue" from time to time. But when these feelings continue for two weeks or more and are accompanied by certain other physical and mental symptoms, doctors call this condition major depressive disorder (also known as depression).

Depression is a real medical condition that affects over 14 million people a year in the United States. Depression is thought to be caused by an imbalance of brain chemicals. It can happen on its own, but can also be triggered by a stressful or traumatic event. The good news is that depression can be successfully treated. If you think you may have depression, you should talk to a qualified healthcare professional about your symptoms.

Two different conditions of DIPRESSION
Major depressive disorder—what people commonly call “depression”—and bipolar disorder do have some symptoms in common. However, they are two different conditions that require different treatments.
In general, major depressive disorder involves overwhelming feelings of sadness, worthlessness and hopelessness. Bipolar disorder involves episodes of depression but also episodes of mania—symptoms of which can include excessive energy, extreme irritability or “out of control” behavior. (People with depression do not experience manic episodes.)

Depressive symptoms vs manic symptoms

About bipolar episodes
Bipolar disorder causes both depressive episodes and manic episodes at different times during the illness. A common misperception is that bipolar mood changes are usually quick and drastic. In reality, the shift from one extreme to the other is often quite gradual. And an episode—either depressive or manic—can last for days, weeks, months or even years.
Moreover, people with bipolar disorder are not always depressed or manic; they can go for long stretches of time in a "normal," balanced mood. The typical person with bipolar disorder has an average of four episodes during the first 10 years of the illness.
When signs are missed
Sadly, some people are diagnosed and treated for major depressive disorder when they really have bipolar disorder. It is easy to understand how misdiagnosis can occur. Some individuals (especially if they are unaware of bipolar disorder) may not recognize their manic symptoms—and therefore don’t report them to their doctor. They may seek a doctor’s help only when they are immersed in a depressive episode.
People may experience depression as their very first episode, and they will not have a manic episode until some time in the future. about the common problem of misdiagnosis.
An incorrect diagnosis can lead to inappropriate treatment. In fact, antidepressant medications can bring about a manic episode in someone who really has bipolar disorder.
Awareness about bipolar disorder is the first step to recognizing possible signs. There are excellent treatments for both depression and bipolar disorder. The key is to get a correct diagnosis.