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.