Bipolar and Monopolar Disorders

Psychologists commonly recognize four subclasses of the illness. A basic distinction is made between unipolar and bipolar affective disorders, and within each of these there are at least two categories of severity. Since polarity by definition refers to orientation with respect to two opposites, the term unipolar makes about as much sense as a magnet without North or South, or the sound of one hand clapping. It is used to distinguish patients who experience only the lows of depression from those who alternate low with high episodes, the term bipolar supposedly carrying fewer stigmas than manic depression.

The least disruptive form of depression is a pattern of constant lack of interest in activities and inability to enjoy life that lasts for at least two years. The technical term is dysthymia, which is surely preferable to minor depression, because there is very little minor about it. Dysthymic individuals have problems sleeping, have persistently low energy levels, often either lose their appetite or have troubles with overeating, and may constantly fight feelings of helplessness and of poor self-image. The fatigue keeps them in bed for hours and hours into the day, yet it can also keep them awake long into the night. Doing things that come ever so naturally, such as making a cup of coffee, getting dressed, making a phone call, going for a walk, or even tucking the kids into bed become monstrous chores.