Manic Depression: Symptoms and Treatment Options

There are different types of depression that a person can suffer from, and one of them is manic depression. This type of depression is commonly known as bipolar disorder and is quite different than what most people imagine when they think of depression. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 5.7 million adults in the United States suffer from bipolar disorder. This disorder is characterized by two separate types of symptoms, depressive and manic.

Depressive and manic episodes usually last one week or longer and sometimes have a period of normalcy in between. During a depressed period, symptoms will be very similar to that of acute or chronic depression. Sadness, crying, loss of appetite or excessive eating, insomnia or sleeping too much, lack of interest in favorite things and a general feeling of despair are all potential symptoms that might be exhibited during one of these episodes. Symptoms will vary from person to person, and may sometimes also manifest in a physical way such as with headaches or body aches.

Manic episodes are quite different from depressive episodes. Symptoms of mania include an increase in energy, restless behavior, agitation, irritability, racing thoughts, rapid speech, increased libido, poor judgment and the desire for less sleep than usual. During a manic episode, the sufferer may even go on wild spending sprees or exhibit promiscuous behavior. They might also become defensive or aggressive when confronted and deny that anything out of the ordinary is wrong. Many sufferers think that because they're not depressed, they're OK. This is why education on the subject of bipolar disorder is so crucial for sufferers and their loved ones. The best time to broach the subject to a sufferer in denial is during a period of normalcy.

Treatment for bipolar disorder is often similar to treatment for acute and chronic depression. Medication may be required to keep mood and behavior on a normal level. Some doctors may recommend antidepressants such as SSRIs or tricyclics, while others may prefer treating bipolar disorder with mood stabilizers such as lithium. Several different medications may need to be tested before the ideal remedy is found.

If you suspect that you or a family member is suffering from manic depression, professional help is needed to not only diagnose the disorder but also to treat it. Your doctor may refer you to a mental health professional experienced in dealing with this disorder. With proper treatment, sufferers can often lead normal, healthy lives.

Copyright 2007 Jim Sterling - All Rights Reserved

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