| SYMPTOMS |
UNIPOLAR |
BIPOLAR |
| Gender and Age of Onset |
Affects women more often then men, appears later in life |
Affects men and woman equally, average age of onset suspected to be 18 years |
| Sleep |
Generally insomnia, difficulty falling asleep or waking repeatedly during the night |
Generally hypersomnia, excessive tiredness and difficulty waking in the morning |
| Appetite |
Often a loss of appetite and diminished interest in eating |
Often binge-eating and cravings for carbohydrates, may alternate with loss of appetite |
| Activity Level |
Agitated, pacing and restlessness are more common |
Inactivity, somnolence, a slowing down of movements (psychomotor retardation) more common |
| Mood |
Sadness, hopelessness, feelings of worthlessness |
Same as for unipolar, although guilt is often much more prominent |
| Other |
Episodes often last longer, sometimes more responsive to treatment |
Risk of drug abuse and suicide higher than in unipolar depression |
