Skip to main content

What is Manic Depression Disorder?

Manic Depression Disorder episodes are the main sign of the condition, and most people with bipolar disorder also have depressive episodes. The condition is manageable with medications, talk therapy, lifestyle changes, and other treatments. Manic Depression Disorder is a term for what is now referred to as Bipolar Disorder. Bipolar Disorder is a chronic mood disorder that causes intense shifts in mood, energy levels, and behavior. 


Manic Depression Disorder. (Bipolar 1 Disorder)

Manic Depression Disorder, is a mental disorder characterized by wide mood swings from high (manic) to low (depressed). Periods of high mood swings are called manic episodes. The person becomes very active, but in a scattered and unproductive way, sometimes with painful or embarrassing consequences. Examples are spending more money than is wise or getting involved in sexual adventures that are regretted later. Most people who have manic episodes also experience periods of depression. There is some evidence that the depression phase is much more common than periods of Mania Depression Disorder.

During a Hypomanic episode, you might feel happy, euphoric, excited, agitated, overly energized, or easily distracted. Manic Depression Disorder episodes are more intense and have a greater impact on your life, including your social, work, and personal life. Hypomanic episodes are challenging too, but by definition, they do not lead to major problems in your daily functioning.

Symptoms of Manic Depression Disorder during the manic phase, symptoms can include:

  1. High level of energy and activity
  2. Irritable mood
  3. Decreased need for sleep
  4. Exaggerated, puffed-up self-esteem ("grandiosity")
  5. Rapid or "pressured" speech
  6. Rapid thoughts
  7. Tendency to be easily distracted
  8. Increased recklessness
  9. False beliefs (delusions) or false perceptions (hallucinations)

During elated moods, a person may have delusions of grandeur, while irritable moods are often accompanied by paranoid or suspicious feelings.

Diagnosis

People with bipolar disorder are more likely to seek help when they are depressed than when manic or hypomanic. It is important to tell your doctor about any history of manic symptoms.

Since there are no medical tests to establish this diagnosis, a mental health professional diagnoses bipolar disorder based on a person's history and symptoms. The diagnosis is based not just on the current symptoms, but also takes into account the problems and symptoms that have occurred throughout a person's life.

Because medications and other illnesses can cause symptoms of mania and depression, a psychiatrist and primary care physician must sometimes work together with other mental health professionals to evaluate the problem. 

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

What is the difference between 1 Bipolar Disorder and 2 Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder, formerly called manic depression, is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). Although bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, you can manage your mood swings and other symptoms by following a treatment plan. In most cases, bipolar disorder is treated with medications and psychological counseling (psychotherapy). Bipolar I Disorder and Bipolar II Disorder are two of the three major forms of Bipolar Disorder. If you or someone you know is dealing with bipolar disorder, educating yourself about the condition is important. Understanding the differences between Bipolar Disorder 1 and Bipolar Disorder 2 can help you plan for how to manage future mood episodes and get the best treatment for your mental health. Bipolar 1 Disorder  Bipolar 1 Disorder is characterized by extreme, intense mood episodes. Those with bipolar I experience intense mania, which lasts at least seven days. T...

How Bipolar Disorder affect Women ?

 Women and men are equally likely to have bipolar I disorder, but women are more likely to have bipolar II disorder and may experience more rapid cycling between highs and lows. Women with bipolar disorder are also more likely than men with bipolar disorder to have other physical and mental health conditions, including problems with alcohol use, depression caused by bipolar disorder, thyroid disease, obesity caused by medicines that treat bipolar disorder, and migraine headaches. Women with bipolar disorder tend to have more depression and anxiety symptoms than men. In women with bipolar disorder generally, depressive symptoms are more likely to be dominant. In fact, women with the condition are twice as likely to experience depression as men. Women are also more likely to experience psychosis with depression. Because depressive symptoms tend ton be dominant. Women with bipolar disorder often receive an incorrect diagnosis of depression. Researchers found that women with bipolar di...