ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED: March 29, 2019
Manic depression and schizophrenia are lifelong mental health disorders that affect the ability to think and behave normally. Though similar, these conditions are different. Recognizing the differences can help with proper diagnosis and effective treatment to support individuals with these conditions live with increased health and fulfillment.
Manic Depression
Also called bipolar disorder, manic depression is characterized by extreme mood swings with periods of normal energy in between.
At times, individuals with manic depression may experience “high” periods in which they feel euphoric and full of energy. These periods can affect various aspects of life, including sleep patterns, behavior, and the ability to make decisions and think clearly. “High” periods are often followed by “lows,” in which the individual shifts into a depressive state. The depression periods are marked by feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in hobbies and activities.
Swings between “highs” and “lows” can occur occasionally or many times throughout a year.
Though manic depression can appear at various periods of life, this condition is typically diagnosed in a person’s teens or early 20s.
Symptoms of manic depression
The symptoms of manic depression fit into two categories: mania and major depression.
Mania
Mania is a “high” period lasting approximately a week. Symptoms vary from person to person, but an individual experiencing mania, called a manic episode, may demonstrate several of the following:
- Being distracted easily
- Decreased need for sleep
- Excessive talking speed or volume
- High energy levels
- Inappropriate social behavior
- Increased activity
- Increased confidence and sense of well-being
- Increased sexual desire
- Racing thoughts
- Reckless behavior
- Unusual irritability
- Unusual liveliness or jumpiness
Those with manic depression may also experience “hypomania” episodes, which are like manic episodes, but shorter, lasting around four days. An individual experiencing a manic or hypomanic episode may have problems performing at work, school, and in social situations.
Major depression
For those with manic depression, an episode of major depression may last several weeks, extending into months. A major depressive episode is characterized by an individual experiencing several of the following:
- Difficulty sleeping or excessive sleeping
- Difficulty thinking, concentrating, and making decisions
- Feelings of sadness, emptiness, and hopelessness
- Feelings of worthlessness and excessive guilt
- Loss of interest in most activities
- Low energy and fatigue
- Restlessness or sluggish behavior
- Significant weight loss, weight gain, or loss of appetite
- Thinking about, planning, or attempting suicide
Episodes of major depression can cause significant interruptions in a person’s career and relationships.
Symptoms of severe manic depression
Individuals with severe manic depression may also suffer from psychotic episodes in which they have hallucinations or delusions. For this reason, manic depression may be mistaken for schizophrenia.
Schizophrenia
Roughly 1% or less of the United States population suffers from schizophrenia, a serious mental health disorder that affects how a person interprets reality. The associated delusions, hallucinations, and disordered thinking make living a normal life difficult.
One of the main markers of schizophrenia is that a person can’t tell whether certain ideas and perceptions they have are real or not.
Schizophrenia treatment is available, and early intervention can help those affected cope with the symptoms and improve their long-term outlook.
Symptoms of schizophrenia
Symptoms of schizophrenia are identified as cognitive symptoms, negative symptoms, and positive symptoms.
Cognitive symptoms
The cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia are subtle and detected with thorough testing. Cognitive symptoms include:
- Inability to recognize one’s own symptoms
- Reduced attention span
- Reduced mental speed and reaction time
- Poor ability to absorb information and make decisions based on that information
- Problems remembering recently learned information and using it right away
Negative symptoms
The word “negative” refers to a lack of normal mental functioning. Negative symptoms include:
- Lack of pleasure
- Lack of self-hygiene
- Not showing emotion
- Severe withdrawal
- Struggling with basic activities
- Talking with a flat voice
- Trouble staying on schedule and following through
Positive symptoms
The word “positive” refers to the presence of symptoms, as opposed to the absence of symptoms. Positive symptoms include:
- Confused thoughts
- Delusions
- Disorganized speech
- Hallucinations (auditory, visual, olfactory, gustatory, and tactile)
- Trouble concentrating
- Unpredictable movements
Symptoms of schizophrenia typically show in the late teens and early 20s for men, while women usually show the first signs in their 20s and early 30s.
Key Differences
Manic depression and schizophrenia share many similarities, yet there are key differences.
- A person with manic depression will be more expressive with his or her feelings, while a person with schizophrenia will lack facial expressions, speak with a flat tone, and be unable to show emotion.
- Psychotic episodes experienced as part of manic depression often align with an individual’s moods. Someone experiencing mania will typically have upbeat hallucinations or delusions, while a person in a depressive state will have negative delusions. Because schizophrenia is not a mood disorder, a person with schizophrenia may not necessarily experience hallucinations and delusions that correlate with his or her mood.
- Those with manic depression often function well at work, school, and in social situations when not experiencing episodes of mania or depression. Those with untreated schizophrenia typically struggle to maintain jobs and relationships and have difficulty functioning day-to-day.
- A person with manic depression may have a history of mood-related symptoms. Previous medication usage and the diagnosis of another mood disorder can also indicate manic depression, rather than schizophrenia.
A correct diagnosis of manic depression or schizophrenia may require thorough testing and a detailed medical history.
Treatment for Manic Depression and Schizophrenia
While a medical cure has not been identified for either condition, effective treatment for both manic depression and schizophrenia is available to support individuals in living healthy, fulfilling lives.
Alvarado Parkway Institute offers evidence-based manic depression and schizophrenia treatment, offering medication, psychotherapy, and education to help individuals manage symptoms. If you’re ready to learn more, are interested in beginning treatment, or would like to inquire about treatment for a loved one, please call us at (619) 333-7050.
