Manic Depression In Women

Manic depression in women is a mood disorder characterized by extreme euphoria and sadness. Though the condition affects men also, there are some differences in the way men and women experience the symptoms along with the symptoms of panic disorder. Manic depression in women symptoms are likely to be more severe than the symptoms experienced by men. Pregnancy, premenstrual syndrome and menopause can cause severe emotional disturbances, which aggravate the symptoms of mood disorder.

Manic Depression In Women Symptoms

Manic depression or severe depression in women is more likely to cause depression symptoms than mania. Persistent sad, empty or anxious mood, loss of interest in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed, excessive crying, decreased ability to focus and make decisions, reduced level of energy, increased restlessness, suicidal thoughts and attempts, excessive guilty feeling, feeling of worthlessness, hopelessness and helplessness, appetite  changes, changes in sleep patterns, physical symptoms like headache and chronic pain and social withdrawal are some of the manic depression in women symptoms.

Manic depression in women is more likely to cause rapid cycling, especially if they suffer from hyperthyroidism or take anti depressants. Gonadal steroids like estrogen and progesterone alter throughout the menstrual cycle. More than 60% of women with manic depression experience regular mood changes during their menstrual or premenstrual phase. Increased anger outbursts and irritability are common during this phase. Increased level of estrogen may lead to hypercortisolism, which may increase the risk of developing depressive symptoms. Cortisol level has close links with stress levels and so this may be one of the reasons for increased risk for depression in women.

Manic Depression in Women Effects

Pregnant women experience manic depression symptoms, depending on their stress level and environment. Manic episodes and cycling may occur during pregnancy.  One of the worst manic depression in women effects is the fetus may be at risk due to lack of care and attention. Manic and depression episodes in the absence of treatment may be harmful to the pregnant mother and the baby. Pregnant women may be at risk, because they may get successive episode more frequently. The glomerular filtration rate increases during pregnancy, so the medications taken by the pregnant women will be excreted more quickly.  This increases the chance of relapse. If the medication amount is increased to avoid relapse, the mother may be exposing her fetus to dangerous side effects. Becoming very dehydrated is one of the serious manic depression in women effects.

Lithium is one of the most common medications used to treat manic depression. However, the risk of the fetus to develop cardiovascular abnormalities is more, if the mother is being treated with lithium during pregnancy. The health care professionals often recommend the patients to terminate their pregnancy.

Nowadays, many other treatments are available to treat manic depression in women. Anti depressants help reduce the severity of depression symptoms. Electroconvulsive therapy is also used to treat the disorder. Like all other treatment methods, electroconvulsive therapy also has some drawbacks. However, it is useful in easing the depression symptoms of manic depression in women. Psychotherapy and group therapies are also used in combination with medications to provide relief from many symptoms.