Major Depression Research Paper

The distinction is clear between features of major depression and the features of bipolar 1 disorder. As we explore the distinction between both, we will also take into perspective the effect of each disorder as it relates to gender difference. And lastly, what makes them so different?

Major depression or clinical depression is mood disorder that is characterized by the persistent feeling of sadness or the loss of interest in daily activity, which causes significant impairment in the individual’s life. Some of the major features that are widely common in individuals with major depression include; difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions,difficulty sleeping, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping, persistently sad, anxious,

or “empty” mood, feelings of hopelessness, or pessimism, Appetite and/or weight changes, and lastly the thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts. Unlike bipolar disorder that alters from depression to mania high, depression, on the other hand, is unipolar--the individual does not alter between disorders, they instead experience few or multiple symptoms at a time. Symptoms of major depression may affect individual differences as it regards to gender difference.

Most studies have found clear gender differences in the prevalence of depressive disorders.

Typically, studies report that women have a prevalence rate for depression up to twice that of men. Studies have also revealed that boys before puberty exhibit a higher rate of major depressive disorder compared to girls (Nolen-Hoeksema & Hilt, 2009. Supp reading, mood disorder.) The difference in gender also reflects how the disorder is expressed. In men, depression manifested in forms consistent with hegemonic masculinity such as aggressiveness, risk-taking, and alcohol and drug abuse, while female exhibit isolation and crying. The difference in expressing major depressive disorder is heavily influenced by cultural beliefs --men are portrayed to be tough and independent in not showing any weakness in crying or seeking help. Women, on the other hand, are encouraged to be emotional and to seek help when

necessary.

Bipolar 1 disorder is separate from major or clinical depression in the sense that the individual may experience long periods without symptoms in between episodes of depression or a state of mania.

Individuals may also experience mood episodes with "mixed features," in which manic and depressive symptoms occur simultaneously, or may alternate from one pole to the other within the same day (APA, 2013. Supp reading Bipolar and Related Disorders.). The mania aspect of bipolar 1 is a can be considered as a severe state that disrupts the individual’s well being, as it can cause the dividual to become disconnected with reality, causing the individual to express behavior that is unnatural to themselves. Two major distinguishing features of bipolar 1 are mania and depression. In the state of mania the individuals might experience three of the followings; the Diminished need for sleep, excessive talking or pressured speech, racing thoughts or flight of ideas, clear evidence of distractibility, Increased level of goal-focused activity at home, at work, or sexually, excessive pleasurable activities, often with painful consequences. On the other hand, depressive episodes in bipolar disorder are similar to clinical depression. There is no variation in symptoms, for instance, an individual who has been diagnosed with major depression and an individual who is experiencing depressive episodes in bipolar disorder can both experience symptoms like; significant loss or increase in appetite,

hypersomnia or insomnia--too much sleep or too little, loss of energy or fatigue and decrease in self-worth or feelings of guilt.

Similar to the presentation of major depression, bipolar is also differs by gender. The onset of bipolar disorder tends to occur later in women than men, and women more often have a seasonal pattern of the mood disturbance, but it is evident that both genders are affected equally. Women experience depressive episodes more often than men, and because of this women are more prone to develop bipolar 2. In men, a bipolar disorder typically begins earlier, but it is more severe than in women. Manic episodes tend to be particularly pronounced. In addition, men are more prone to act out during mania, which leads to aggressive behaviors, and the tendency to abuse drugs and alcohol. (APA 2013. Supp readings)

Bipolar and major depression are two distinct disorders, but yet shares similarity amongst symptoms. As we have already explored, major depression is a state of persistent feeling of deep sadness, emptiness and the loss of pleasure to engage in lifestyle activities. On the contrary, Bipolar 1 disorder cycles through a state of feeling depressed to a state of great high. For instance, individuals might be severely depressed for a period of hours, days, weeks, or even months before entering a manic period. The mania could range from several days to two months or longer.

Bipolar 1 and major depression are two complicated disorder in its rigorous category. The complication that lies within bipolar 1 disorder is that depressive episodes occur three times as often as manic, and last longer. The unusual pattern of the bipolar 1 oftentimes creates the problem of misdiagnosing the individual with just depression. Major depression on the other is common, and because of this individuals tend to self-treat the disorder rather than seek professional help. There is not much difference of a gap between gender difference between the two disorders. One’s socioeconomic status or cultural demands can lead to the causation of bipolar or major depression.