Differences between unipolar depression and bipolar II depression in women

Abstract Background Bipolar disorder II (BPII) and unipolar depression (UD) are both characterized by episodes of major depression (MDE), however DSM-IV criteria for MDE are identical, regardless of diagnosis. As a result, misdiagnosis of BP II and UD is common, leading to inappropriate treatment. B...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of affective disorders 2013-09, Vol.150 (3), p.1120-1124
Main Authors: Rastelli, C.P.B, Cheng, Y, Weingarden, J, Frank, E, Swartz, H.A
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Adult and adolescent clinical studies
Affect
Affective disorders
Age of onset
Biological and medical sciences
Bipolar affective disorder
Bipolar Disorder - complications
Bipolar Disorder - psychology
Bipolar disorder type II
Bipolar disorders
Depression
Depressive Disorder, Major - complications
Depressive Disorder, Major - psychology
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
Disorders of Excessive Somnolence - complications
Female
Generalizability
Humans
Male
Medical sciences
Mood disorders
Mood Disorders - complications
Psychiatry
Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry
Psychopathology. Psychiatry
Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders - complications
Substance abuse
Women
Young Adult
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Summary:Abstract Background Bipolar disorder II (BPII) and unipolar depression (UD) are both characterized by episodes of major depression (MDE), however DSM-IV criteria for MDE are identical, regardless of diagnosis. As a result, misdiagnosis of BP II and UD is common, leading to inappropriate treatment. Because women are twice as likely as men to experience MDE, differentiating UD from BP II in the context of depression is especially important for women. We examined symptoms and clinical features of MDE in women with UD and BPII to compare presentations of the two disorders in women. Methods We compared characteristics of depressed women meeting DSM-IV criteria for BPII ( n =48) or UD ( n =48), matched on age. Results Feelings of worthlessness occurred in 98% of participants with UD versus 85% with BPII ( p =0.03). Participants with UD experienced either insomnia or hypersomnia, but participants with BPII were more likely to experience both simultaneously ( p =0.04). Those with UD were significantly less likely to have >5 prior mood episodes compared to those with BP II (12% versus 61%; p
ISSN:0165-0327
1573-2517
DOI:10.1016/j.jad.2013.05.003