Manic Depression

Manic depression is a type of depression that comes in sudden mood swings. This means you are happy at one time, then you suddenly become sad. Manic depression is also known as bipolar disorder, because the person suffering form it alternates constantly between the poles of mania and depression. Manic depression affects the life of a person and those around him/her.

This type of depression makes no distinction whatsoever, everyone can suffer form it, although it tends to appear during the last years of adolescence. Its origin appears to be genetic.

Manic Depression Symptoms

The symptoms of manic depression are present along with their opposite (if there is a “high”, there is a “low”). The symptoms come and go continuously and can vary in degree. The “Manic” symptoms include:

Excessive spending
Fast talking and thinking
Euphoric mood
A sudden, unnatural increase of energy
Increase of sexual desire
Denial of anything wrong with them
Poor judgment
Lack of sleep
Drug and alcohol abuse
Unusual behavior
Lack of focus and concentration
Irritability

The “depressive” episodes include:

Sadness and hopelessness
Excessive irritability
Unexplainable weight changes
Thoughts of death and suicide
Sleeping problems
Lack of energy
Feeling tired
Lack of motivation or interest in things

Manic Depression Treatments

One of the primary changes a patient must do to change the patterns, is include a great sleeping habits. They must get adequate and regular sleep times. Also, a psychologist can help you determine the “triggers” to the disorder. Learning about them will give you more power.

If medication is needed, a psychiatrist will prescribe a “mood stabilizer” (lithium, valproate) and anti depressants to balance the two episodes. You will also need to check your thyroid levels, as they play a major part in the evolution of the disorder.

Finally, you and your family will need to learn how to spot relapses. This is essential towards a successful manic depression treatment.