Bipolar Depression Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Bipolar depression is a period of low mood, fatigue, and lack of motivation that someone with bipolar disorder may experience. Bipolar disorder is a chronic mood disorder that affects close to 3% of people in the United States.1 This condition can cause people to experience severe fluctuations in mood, energy levels, concentration, thought patterns, and behavior.2 People with bipolar disorder have different types of mood episodes, says Aimee Daramus, PsyD, a licensed clinical psychologist and author of “Understanding Bipolar Disorder.” The different types of mood states include:2 Depression: Depressive episodes involve periods of low mood where the person experiences symptoms of depression. This state is referred to as bipolar depression. Mania: Manic episodes are characterized by elevated energy and activity, where the person barely sleeps, has racing thoughts, talks very fast, and tries to do several things at once. Hypomania: Hypomania is a less severe form of mania. Mixed: Mixed episodes involve both depressive and manic symptoms. Euthymia: These are periods of normal mood where the person is calm and happy. Symptoms of Bipolar Depression According to Dr. Daramus, someone who is experiencing an episode of bipolar depression may have all the symptoms of major depressive disorder (commonly referred to as depression or clinical depression). The symptoms of bipolar depression may include:3 Feelings of sadness Emotional numbness or emptiness Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness Feelings of guilt or shame Preoccupation with personal failures or losses Worry or anxiety Indifference or lack of interest in activities Withdrawal and isolation Restlessness or a feeling of moving in slow motion Difficulty concentrating and making decisions A tendency to speak slowly, forget what they were saying, or feeling like there’s nothing to say Difficulty going about their day or doing simple things Low motivation Fatigue and tiredness Changes in appetite and weight Insomnia or hypersomnia Thoughts of self-harm or suicide A depressive episode can last for several days or weeks and the person may experience symptoms every day, for most of the day.3 If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911. For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database. Causes of Bipolar Depression These are some of the factors that can contribute to the risk of developing bipolar disorder:3 Biological factors: People who have bipolar disorder may have differences in the structure and functioning of their brain. Genetic factors: Bipolar disorder usually has a strong genetic influence, so someone who has a biological relative with bipolar disorder may be more likely to have it too, says Dr. Daramus. In fact, Dr. Daramus notes that the genetic influence may cross over with certain other disorders such as schizophrenia as well. So, for instance, she says someone may be more likely to develop bipolar disorder if they have a family history of schizophrenia. Seasonal factors: Some people may find that their bipolar disorder is seasonal, says Dr. Daramus. According to a 2013 study, depressive episodes are more common in winter; whereas, manic episodes are more common in summer.4 Emotional factors: Having relationship problems or emotional issues can increase the likelihood of experiencing a depressive episode, according to Dr. Daramus.