Depressive episodes are periods of intense sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities. They are a defining characteristic of depressive disorders.
Manic episodes are the opposite of depressive episodes and are characterized by elevated mood, excessive energy, racing thoughts, and impulsive behavior.
Bipolar disorder is the psychological disorder that encompasses both manic and depressive episodes. People with bipolar disorder experience extreme mood swings between mania and depression.
Major depressive disorder is a specific type of depressive disorder where individuals experience persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest in activities for at least two weeks.