1. Polar Eclipse
Manic depression or bipolar illness is different from other depressive illnesses. Manic-depressive illness normally hits before the person reaches his mid thirties. Around 1 in 100 people experience bipolar illness at some point during the course of their lives. A person with manic depression will have personality changes and moods that swing from despair to happiness. Of course, the mood swings vary with each person, but they are generally between two extremes.
2. Swinging High and Low
The symptoms of manic-depressive illness are mood swings beginning with elation and hyperactivity to feeling worthless and suicidal. A person may also experience physical aches and pains, sleep disorders and stomach issues, such as diarrhea or constipation. Even though there may be periods of a "normal" mood, if you don't seek treatment for bipolar illness, it may last for months. Manic depression can disrupt a person's life to where she loses interest in the things she loves, which affects career, family and quality of life. This results in loss of self-esteem and suicidal thoughts.
3. Mood Disorder in the Court
Studies show that someone who has manic-depressive illness often has a relative with a depressive disorder. Extreme stress or other major disruptive situations may aggravate someone's depressive disorder. Other research suggests that the neurotransmitters in the brain are out of balance, which may positively respond to hormone therapy. Substance abuse could also be another cause for bipolar illness. Manic depression may also be a result of other physical disorders, such as multiple sclerosis or a liver, kidney or thyroid illness.
4. Diagnose Manic Depression
A medical evaluation can diagnose manic-depressive illness. Your health care provider should rule out any other medical condition, such as a reaction to medication. A complete psychiatric evaluation is necessary to make the right diagnosis. With the help of a psychiatrist and medical doctor, someone with manic-depressive illness can start on a treatment plan, which may include psychiatric counseling and medication.
5. Balance the Brain
Manic-depressive illness is a very treatable illness. Psychotherapy is helpful along with lithium carbonate, which is the most common medication for manic depression. Lithium balances the brain's neurotransmitters. Studies show patients who take lithium have fewer, if not zero, manic episodes during treatment and they have fewer repeat episodes of depression. Therapy helps the patient regain his life and may be helpful to his family so they can understand the illness and help the patient during recovery.
