Question

Compare and contrast the characteristics of bipolar and major depressive disorder. What would a therapist need to know about the client in order to ensure that he or she was correctly diagnosed?

Answer 1

Both bipolar and major depressive disorders are both mental illnesses. The main characteristic of a bipolar person is that one have alternate periods of happiness and depression. A person suffering a major depressive disorder experiences low mood for at least two weeks. A therapist must be keen in observing the patient to arrive at a correct diagnosis.

Answer 2

Answer:

Explanation:

With bipolar disorder, a person has highs and lows, they can go from being happy to sad. With major depressive disorder, a person just has lows where they can be sad for a long period of time. To ensure that the person was diagnosed correctly, you would have to pay attention to how long they stay sad and if/when they come up from it.