Manic Depression
What is Manic Depression?
This Illness, known in medical terms as bipolar illness, is the most distinct and dramatic of the depressive or affective disorders.Unlike major depression, which can occur at any age, manic-depressive illness generally strikes before the age of 35. Nearly one in 100 people will suffer from the disorder at some time in their lives.
People with bipolar illness differ from those with other depressive disorders in that their moods swing from depression to mania, generally with periods of normal mood between the two extremes. The length of this cycle, from towering elation to near despair, varies from person to person.
The exact cause of bipolar disorder is not fully understood. It does seem to run in families, which suggests that genetics are involved. Around 10–15 per cent of the nearest relatives of people with bipolar disorder also have a mood disorder. It is also known that very stressful life events and physical illness can bring on (trigger) periods of the illness, so the causes are far from simple.
Research has found that there are changes to the brain's chemistry during manic and depressive episodes. This includes changes to hormone levels and chemicals that transmit signals within the brain (neurotransmitters). Understanding how this works can help in finding ways to treat and manage the condition.
Manic Depression Symptoms
Manic depression symptoms (as found in manic-depressive disorder or bipolar disorder) involve symptom sets that are the opposite of each other. One involves a 'high' set and the other a 'low' set. These symptoms are found in a continuous range, mild-moderate-severe, in both the manic and depressive aspects.The National Institute of Mental Health lists many of the following Manic Depression symptoms.1 Manic disorder that characterize the high or 'manic' aspect of manic disorder are called episode includes the following:
- Excessively 'high', overly good, euphoric mood
- Jumping from one idea to another
- Increased energy, activity, and restlessness
- Little sleep needed
- Extreme irritability
- Provocative, intrusive, or aggressive behavior
- Abuse of drugs, particularly cocaine, alcohol, and sleeping medications
- Increased sexual drive
- Spending sprees
- Poor judgment
- Unrealistic beliefs in one's abilities and powers
- Denial that anything is wrong
- Distractibility, can't concentrate well
- Racing thoughts and talking very fast
- Lasting period of behavior that is different from usual
- Decreased energy, a feeling of fatigue or of being "slowed down"
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions
- Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed, including sex
- Lasting sad, anxious, or empty mood
- Restlessness or irritability
- Change in appetite and / or unintended weight loss or gain
- Chronic pain or persistent bodily symptoms not caused by illness or injury
- Sleeping too much, or can't sleep
- Thoughts of death or suicide / suicide attempts
