Manic depression is known as bipolar disease because the person suffering seems to shuttle between opposing types of moods. They have alternating up and down swings where they are very happy (mania), sometimes overly so, and very depressed. These swings are recurrent; typically gradual but they can occur rapidly and unexpectedly. Manic depression may be one of the better known depressive diseases, but it is not one of the more common. The swings in mood can affect the way the sufferer behaves, thinks and impair judgment in ways that can be detrimental and embarrassing.
Varying Levels
There are varying levels of manic depression and they are displayed differently in the individual sufferer. There is a mild (to moderate) level of mania known as hypomania which feels good and can result in an increase in productivity and ability. The more severe form of mania can result in hyperactivity, odd behavior and even psychosis. Either case can change and spiral toward a depressive state. There is also what is known as mixed manic depression in which symptoms of both mania and depression occur at the same time.
Severe swings in either direction can produce symptoms of psychosis which include hallucinations and delusions. On one hand a person with psychotic mania may have delusions of grandeur and think that they are wealthy and powerful; on the other hand, when psychotic depression hits, a person may believe they have committed a crime or have lost all their money. In some cases, people with manic depression become suicidal.
Manic Depression Symptoms
There are many manic depression symptoms and they tend to be opposite one another, which means there is a set of high symptoms and a set of low symptoms. The symptoms can be mild, moderate or severe in either the manic or depressed state. Manic depression symptoms include:
Manic Symptoms
High energy/activity
Euphoric mood
Inability to concentrate
Racing thoughts and speech
Poor judgment and spending habits
Increased sexual desire
Extereme irritability
Aggressive behavior
Depression Symptoms
Sad or empty mood
Anxiety
Hopelessness and pessimism
Guilt, worthlessness, helplessness
Loss of pleasure
Decreased energy or fatigue
Restlessness/irritability
Insomnia/hypersomnia
Pain symptoms not caused by injury or illness
Thoughts/attempts of suicide
Treating Manic Depression
The vast majority of people who suffer from manic depression (bipolar disorder) are easily treated with drugs and counseling. Since it is an illness that tends to recur, treatment should be thought of as long term, especially on the counseling end. Manic depression may not be easily cured but it can be controlled and managed with the right combination of therapy and medication. Treatments for manic depression include:
Mood stabilizers (Lithium) – controls mania and prevents the recurrence of manic and depressive states
Anticonvulsants (Depakote) – have mood stabilizing effects and work on difficult cases
Psychotherapy – a trained professional will teach the sufferer and their loved ones how to handle the swings, increase stability and improve the overall quality of life using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychoeducation, Interpersonal Therapy, Social Rhythm Therapy and Family Therapy.
