Manic Depression Symptoms

Manic depression is a serious affective disorder characterized by extreme mood swings, hallucinations and/or paranoid anger. Manic depression symptoms vary from person to person along with their biology of depression. Some people experience more mania signs, while some others experience more depression symptoms and less mania signs. In any case, understanding manic depression symptoms and getting treatment as earlier as possible can help you get relief and lead a fruitful life.

Manic Depression Signs

Reduced appetite and weight loss or overeating and weight gain, feeling of hopelessness, worthlessness and guilt, decreased energy, fatigue, insomnia or oversleeping, loss of interest in hobbies or activities that were enjoyed in the past and persistent empty, anxious or Sad moods are some of the manic depression signs experienced by many patients. Thoughts of death or suicide or suicide attempts are one of the serious manic depression symptoms.

Racing thoughts, irritability without any reason, excessive talking, inappropriate social behavior, poor judgment and agitation are some other manic depression signs. Decreased need for rest and sleep, increased sex drive, dangerous use of alcohol or drug and lack of concentration may also indicate the disorder. Delusions or breaking from reality is the apparent symptoms of manic depression. According to the phase of the disorder, the symptoms and their severity may vary.

Manic Depression Effects

Manic depression can cause serious effects in your health, productivity and lifestyle. Auditory and visual hallucinations, feeling like life is out of control, obsessive disturbed thoughts, anxiety, paranoia and aggression are some of the psychological manic depression effects. Prolonged sadness and indecisiveness may be experienced by some patients and this can be counter acted by the benefits of depression therapy if taken long enough. The disorder can also cause physical effects, which may affect your relationship and work life. Increased physical and mental activity, racing speech, trouble breathing, unexplained crying spells and poor overall health are some of the physical manic depression effects.  If you experience some of these symptoms, you need to get the help of a health care professional.

Manic Depression Diagnosis

If the doctor suspects that you may have the disorder, he/she will require you to undergo some tests. Manic depression diagnosis involves physical examination, including your blood pressure, heart rate and temperature, blood and urine tests and psychological evaluation.  The doctor will talk to you about your feelings, thoughts and behavior pattern to diagnose whether the symptoms are due to manic depression or some other disorder. Manic depression diagnosis helps the doctor to decide the right treatment for you.
In order to be diagnosed with the disorder, you need to meet some criteria. If you have had one or more manic or manic and depressive episodes, the doctor may confirm that you suffer from manic depression. If the symptoms cause problems in work and relationships, your condition may be considered as serious.

Depending on the severity of your symptoms, the doctor may prescribe medications to balance your moods. Hospitalization may be necessary, if your behavior is considered dangerous. Medications and therapies are recommended to keep the symptoms under control. Then you need to receive maintenance treatment to prevent the risk of relapse.