The term manic refers to the condition known as manic depression or bipolar disorder –
an illness recognized for its dramatic shifts in moods, energy levels and behavior.
The periods of highs and lows (extreme mood swings from overly happy to sad and back again) are called manic
and depressive episodes.
Almost 2 million American adults are affected by the condition with an equal spread among males and females.
However, men tend to demonstrate more manic episodes while women suffer from depressive episodes. Experts note
the high tendencies for the illness to recur among members of the same family
therefore pointing to possibilities of genetic origins.
Symptoms of manic-depression
People who are manic-depressive exhibit experiencing alternate feelings of "highs" and "lows." The “highs”
are called mania while “lows” are periods of depression.
Manic episodes include:
- Substance abuse
- Hyperactivity (mental and physical)
- Inflated confidence
- Bad temper
- Increased aggressiveness
- High performance despite lack of sleep
- Incoherent speech and thoughts
- Impulsiveness and poor judgment
- Easily distracted / short attention span
- Reckless behavior
- Inability to concentrate
- Overly euphoric mood
- High irritability
- Increased sexual drive
- Speaking quickly to keep up with racing thoughts
Depressive episodes include:
- Crying for no apparent reason
- Unintended dramatic weight losses or gain, significant changes in appetite
- Constant feelings of fatigue
- Feelings of helplessness and/or hopelessness
- Long periods of sad or empty moods
- Diminished interest in activities formerly enjoyed
- Pensive moods or restlessness
- Suicidal thoughts or attempts
Hypomania is a moderate type of mania and the person experiencing it may appear to feel and function well.
It is possible that when family or friends recognize the mood swings as possible bipolar disorder, the
victim may actually refuse to acknowledge that something is wrong.
Self-diagnosis is not possible and only trained professionals can definitely conclude if the condition is
applicable to your case. Unfortunately, many individuals choose not to seek expert attention and advice
during periods of mania because they feel manic symptoms have a positive impact on their performance.
However, if left untreated, hypomania can develop into severe mania.
Severe manic and depressive episodes can involve signs of psychosis. Common symptoms of psychotic episodes
are hallucinations (sensing things not actually there) and delusions (false beliefs).
For example, during mania, delusions such as possessing special powers may occur. On the other hand, in
depressive episodes, the person may be deluded to feel utterly worthless as if they were totally ruined.
In other patients, symptoms of manic and depressive episodes may happen at the same time, which is referred
to as a mixed bipolar state. In this state, a person may have very low self-esteem while
being in a highly energized state.
Causes of bipolar disorder
Scientists are researching the possible causes of bipolar disorder. Many agree
that there is no single cause and many factors act together to cause the illness.
Types of Manic Depression
Manic depression is classified into Type I and Type II. The main difference between them is the intensity and
severity of the condition. If signs and symptoms of mania and a depression alternate with each other for a week,
bipolar disorder type I may be the case. As this condition is the more serious of the two, Bipolar disorder
Type I calls for immediate and expert professional advice and attention.
Although a less severe form, Bipolar II disorder still exhibits low depressive episodes
accompanied by at least one low- or hypo-manic episode. (Hypo-mania is simply manic episodes of a lesser degree.)
Consult with a doctor or a psychiatrist about hypomania diagnosis if you’ve had or are currently experiencing
for several days symptoms such as:
- Inflated confidence
- Reduced need for sleep
- Talkative and hyperactive
- Random fleeting thoughts with inability or difficulty to focus on one idea at a time
- Low concentration level
- Unusually goal-driven and aggressive
- Doing things uncharacteristic of your usual behavior
Be honest with your feelings and share them as well as the symptoms you’re experiencing with your doctor.
Do not hesitate to see seek a second opinion if you feel your condition is are not properly addressed or if
no improvement is felt even after the prescribed treatment.
Bipolar Disorder Treatments
Most people with bipolar disorder can maintain stabilization of their mood swings with proper treatment. Since
it is a recurring illness, long-term preventive treatments are recommended.
In most cases, bipolar disorder is much better controlled if treatment is constant rather than intermittent.
But even when treatment is continuous, mood changes can occur. Working closely and communicating with the doctor
about treatment concerns and options make a difference in the effectiveness of treatments.
Be sure to share with your doctor your history regarding manic-depressive episodes as well as the current
symptoms you’re experiencing. Tell your doctor if any of your family have had the same condition or have had
“nervous breakdowns” or have been diagnosed and/or treated for substance (drug/alcohol) abuse.
Keep track of daily mood symptoms, treatments, and lifestyle (habits and sleep
patterns) as well as life events so that patients and their families can better
understand the illness. The journal can also help the doctor determine more effective treatments.
Medications
Medications for bipolar disorder are prescribed by psychiatrists (medical doctors with expertise in diagnosis
and treatment of mental disorders).
Mood stabilizers usually are prescribed. In general, treatment continues for years. Other medications are
added when necessary, for shorter periods, to
treat episodes of mania or depression that occur despite mood stabilizers.
Thyroid Function
Bipolar disorder patients are commonly observed to have thyroid gland functions different from most. Since
both too much or too few secretions of the hormone thyroid influences mood changes, it is important thyroid
levels are diligently managed.
Talk Therapy
To supplement medication, psychosocial treatments help in lending support to patients and their families.
Talk therapy can lead to an increase in the stability
on one's mood. Qualified professionals such as psychologists, or trained counselors can provide these therapy
sessions. To carefully observe the patient's progress, these professionals often work in tandem with a
psychiatrist. The regularity and the kinds of therapy sessions used are decided on the basis of the individual
needs of each patient.
It is important to understand that bipolar disorder is a long-term illness
that currently has no cure. But with education and understanding on the part of not only the patient, but
the family as well, and with continuing treatment (even when not symptomatic), the disease can be kept in
check, reducing chances of relapse and hopefully leading to recovery.
NEXT: Panic Attacks
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