Bipolar and Depressive Disorders

Comparison Chart
Directions: Although bipolar and depressive disorders share several key similarities, some aspects are radically different among these
disorders. The completion of this chart gives you an opportunity to thoroughly compare and contrast these specific disorders.
Complete the table below by following the example provided for Cyclothymic Disorder. Include examples and at least two scholarly
references as reference notes below the chart.

Note: “D/O” is an acronym for disorder

Duration of Duration of
Distinguish From Comorbidity
Disorder & Depressive Manic Hypomanic Clinically- Symptom-Free
(Differential (Often Seen
Features Episode? Episode? Episode? Significant Intervals
Diagnosis): With):
Symptoms
Cyclothymic No, but No No, but 2+ yr. in No longer than 2 Psychotic D/O Substance-Related
Disorder episodes only episodes only Adults months Bipolar D/O D/O
that do not that do not 1+ yr. in Borderline PD Sleep D/O
meet full meet full Adolescents Substance-Induced ADHD
criteria criteria D/O
MDD Yes, when the No No Must be 2 or more According to DSM-5 According to DSM-
Major Depressive client meets 5 consecutive months; (2013): 5 (2013):
Disorder or more symptoms for sometimes even Suicidal Obsessive-
criterion in the two weeks less, it depends Manic episodes with Compulsive
DSM-5, and straight; and on the client irritable mood. Disorder.
lasts 2 weeks be on going (Dziegielewski, ADHD. Panic Disorder.
or more for one year 2015). Adjustment Disorder. Anorexia/Bulimia
(Dziegielewski or more Sadness (Severe Disorder.
, 2015). (APA, 2013). cases-5 out of 9 Borderline-
symptoms). Personality
Disorder.
Dysthymia This is an No No 2+ years for The symptoms According to DSM-5 According to DSM-
Persistent Depressive “ongoing” adults; and 1 can last for (2013): 5 (2013):

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Disorder disorder that year for years, but zero MDD (But can be Anxiety Disorders.
has milder children symptoms would determined based on Substance-Use
depression (APA, 2013). last no more than the symptoms given). Disorders.
symptoms than 2 months (PDD, Psychotic Disorders. MDD.
MDD, but has 2019). Substance-Induced
more persistent Disorder.
symptoms for Personality
2 years or Disorders.
more
(Dziegielewski
, 2015).
DMDD The DSM-5 No. No. 6 months to 1 Symptoms are According to DSM-5 According to DSM-
Disruptive Mood doesn’t year, and is likely to change (2013): 5 (2013):
Dysregulation classify it as an more when children Oppositional Defiant Oppositional
Disorder episode. But, common in mature between Disorder. Defiant Disorder
these children; and the ages 7-18 Bipolar Disorders (Strongest
symptoms do one episode (Dziegielewski, (But no symptoms of comorbidity).
not last more must be 2015). it, just possible future Anxiety Disorders.
than one day before the development). Intermittent
(APA, 2013). age of 10, but ADHD Explosive Disorder.
no earlier Autism Spectrum
than age 6 Disorder.
(APA, 2013).
Bipolar I Yes, after Yes, a client Yes, when the 1+ year in No longer than a According to DSM-5 According to DSM-
Disorder having 5 or must feel 3 client has 3 or adults (APA, month; and the (2013): 5 (2013):
more of the of the 7 more 2013). manic, Major Depressive Anxiety Disorder.
listed criterion criterion symptoms hypomanic, and Disorder. Impulse/Disruptive
given in the listed; and listed in the depressive Anxiety/Panic Disorder.
DSM-5; for 2 the episode DSM-5; and symptoms will Disorder. Substance-Use
weeks or does not have them for be ongoing for PTSD. Disorder.
longer make the 4 consecutive 2+ years ADHD
(Dziegielewski client feel days (APA, (Dziegielewski, Substance-Induced
, 2015). physiologica 2013). 2015). Bipolar Disorder.
l effects Personality Disorder
(APA,
2013).
Bipolar II Yes, after No. There Yes, when the 3-6 months According to DSM-5 According to DSM-
Disorder having 5 or has never client has 3 or (Bipolar (2013): 5 (2013):
more of the been a more Disorder, Major Depressive Anxiety Disorders
listed criterion manic symptoms 2019). Disorder. (75%).
given in the episode listed in the Schizophrenia Substance-Use
DSM-5; for 2 (APA, DSM-5; and Spectrum. Disorder (37%).

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 weeks or 2013). have them for Anxiety/Panic Eating disorders
longer 4 consecutive Disorder. (14%).
(Dziegielewski days (APA, ADHD
, 2015). 2013). Substance-Use
Disorder.

References:

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.

Bipolar disorder. (2019). Retrieved from https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/mental-health/problems-disorders/bipolar-disorder

Dziegielewski, S. F. (2015). DSM-5 in action. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons. ISBN-13: 9781118136737. Retrieved on March 1,

2019 from: http://gcumedia.com/digital-resources/wiley/2014/dsm-5-in-action_ebook_3e.php

Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia) Symptoms Guide. (2019). Retrieved from

https://www.psycom.net/depression.central.dysthymia.html

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