Difference between Clinical Depression and Manic Depression

Key Difference: Clinical depression or major depression is a mood disorder which is mainly characterized by a bad mood and reduced interest in activities which were enjoyed earlier. Manic depression or bipolar disorder is a form of clinical depression which is primarily marked by alternate periods of mania and of normal mood and energy.

Clinical depression and manic depression are two different types of depressions. Manic depression is also known as bipolar depression. Clinical depression should not be taken lightly as it tends to be a serious medical illness which effects thinking, course of actions, feelings, etc. A person suffering from clinical depression is not able to work or function as he used to. A feeling of sadness and hopelessness lingers for a long period of time.

People are not able to enjoy the activities that once were enjoyed by them. There are numerous symptoms of clinical depression which includes insomnia, oversleeping, change in appetite, headache, crying, loss of interest in activities that were being enjoyed earlier, and many more. The symptoms cover physical, behavioral as well as emotions attributes related to a person.

Bipolar disorder or manic depression is a form of clinic depression. It is characterized by alternate periods of depression and periods of mania. These periods are also bridged by some periods of normal mood and behavior.

Mania is basically related to feel of elation. Its symptoms include excessive energy, feeling great, little aid required to sleep, talking at a faster pace, etc. Manic depressions are considered to be linked to family history.

Manic depression include the components or attributes of clinical depression, and therefore it becomes difficult to differentiate the two sometimes. Bipolar Disorder has four basic types – bipolar I disorder, bipolar II disorder, bipolar disorder not otherwise specified and cyclothymic disorder.

The main distinguishing feature of manic depression is that its symptom includes mania, which is absent in a person suffering from just a clinical depression. A person suffering from clinical depression can be treated by anti-depressants, whereas bipolar disorder also requires a mood stabilizing medication like valproate or lithium.

Comparison between Clinical Depression and Manic Depression:

	Clinical Depression	Manic Depression
Definition	Clinical depression or major depression is a mood disorder which is mainly characterized by bad mood and a reduced interest in activities which ere enjoyed.	Manic depression or bipolar disorder is a form of clinical depression which is primarily marked by alternate periods of mania and of normal mood and energy.
Other Word	Major depression	Bipolar depression
Some symptoms	Feeling sad, guilty, worthless, helpless, tired Change in appetite Feeling restless or irritable Sleep disturbances Thoughts of death or suicide Unexplained aches and pains	Cyclic mood changes – mania and depression Mood swings are so intense that it disrupts the normal functioning ability mania can cause sleeplessness, sometimes for days, along with hallucinations, psychosis, grandiose delusions, or paranoid rage
Treatment	Antidepressant medication Talk therapy like behavioral or cognitive are also often suggested	Mood stabilizers Psychological treatment includes talk therapy Lifestyle advice
Cause	No single cause. However, it is often considered that psychological, biological and environmental factors affect its development. Genetics may also play a role	No exact cause has been known, However, it is often suggested that genetic, neurochemical and environmental factors are responsible for its onset and progression.