Manic Depression

Manic depression also referred to as bipolar disorder is a major mood disorder characterized by significant mood swings and depression and gender as well.  It is different from clinical depression by causing mania. It affects both men and women, but women are more likely to experience less manic but more depressive symptoms than men.  Manic depression is a serious condition, especially when the patient experiences hallucinations, sleeplessness and grandiose delusions.

Manic Depression Symptoms

Manic depression is believed to be hereditary. It usually appears at the age between 15 and 24 and endures throughout the lifetime of the patient. Manic depression symptoms vary from individual to individual. However, the most common symptoms include loss of interest in activities which they have previously enjoyed, persistent anxious, sad or empty mood, increased irritability, excessive crying, reduced energy level, difficulty in concentrating things, suicidal thoughts and attempts, increased feeling of hopelessness and guilt, social withdrawal and changes in sleep pattern. Some people may even experience physical symptoms like chronic pain and headache.

Manic depression symptoms also include increased physical agitation, reduced need for rest and sleep, too much involvement in pleasurable activities that may cause painful outcomes, excessive talkativeness, increased sex drive and increased denial.

Manic Depression Effects

Manic depression effects may be experienced at any age in an adult life. A manic depressive episode may last from several days to months. It may cause serious effects on the patient’s work and personal life. Employers may find the employee with this disorder under performing at first.

Lack of concentration, irritability and some other symptoms of this disorder may start affecting the loco-motor activity and other bodily functions of the patient. They may have delusions of suffering from worst diseases. Some patients may feel that they are evil and they may try to contaminate others around them. Suicidal thoughts and attempts are the worst manic depression effects.  When people around the patient try to control his/her activities, he/she may feel frustrated and start destructing things.  Occasionally, they may use violence against people.  If delusions become stronger, it may be dangerous to the patients and to others.

Manic Depression Treatment

Only a few people recognize that they have some problem and receive manic depression treatment at earlier stage. Many leave it untreated, until they face some serious troubles. Manic depression treatment is determined by the physician after examining the patient’s age, health, medical history, extend of the depressive symptoms and tolerance level for certain medications and therapies.

Medications like antidepressants and mood stabilizing anticonvulsants are usually prescribed to treat this disorder. Lithium is prescribed to control mood swings. It may also help reduce suicidal thoughts.   Psychotherapy may also be required to change the distorted views of the patients on himself/herself and in the environment around him/her.

Counseling with a therapist can help the patient to get relief from some symptoms. Therapies can provide successful results, only if the patient’s family, friends and relatives provide strong support. Social rhythm is another effective therapy that helps reverse the sleep patterns and behaviors of the patients and help improve their relationship with others.

Group therapy and one to one sessions with a psychiatrist can also provide relief from symptoms of manic depression. If the episodes are very serious, hospitalization is required.