Manic depression, or bipolar disorder, is a group of mental health disorders characterized by hypomania or depression, or both, according to the diagnostic criteria for diagnosis described by Dr. Greg Mulhauser. People with bipolar disorder may be up one day and suicidal a week later. Bipolar disorder is a bewildering disease to family members and to the patients themselves. The disease has many side effects that create havoc in a patient's life unless properly treated.
Manic Side Effects
As described by the Mayo Clinic, people in a manic state are hard to keep up with. They're not just happy, they're euphoric. They talk fast and frequently, have grandiose ideas and seem to need little sleep. Their thoughts race and they jump from one subject to another, a phenomenon known as "flight of ideas." They have inflated self esteem, an overly optimistic view of life, and are prone to reckless behavior. They spend recklessly, use poor judgment, and can be overly aggressive and angry. They're easily distracted, have trouble concentrating, and very active physically and sexually. People in a manic state may spend large sums of money gambling without worrying about the long term consequences, or may use drugs and alcohol heavily. They may jump into new endeavors, starting businesses or big projects, feeling like they're unstoppable and can do anything.
Depressive Side Effects
The other side of the bipolar coin is depression. When people with bipolar disorder are in a depressive state, they may feel that life is completely hopeless. They can't sleep, even though they're extremely tired, aren't hungry, can't concentrate, are irritable and may have pain that doesn't seem to have a physical cause. Sadness, anxiety and guilt are all part of the depressive state. Suicidal thoughts or even suicide attempts are not uncommon in this state.
Other Side Effects
Severe bipolar disorder can cause hallucinations, psychosis, paranoia and delusions. Patients in a severe manic state may see things that aren't there, think they're someone famous, or feel like they're being persecuted or watched by other people. People in a severe depressive state may think they've committed a terrible crime, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, or NIMH.
Not all types of bipolar disorder have alternating episodes of manic behavior and depression. Bipolar II disorder diagnosis includes hypomania, which is less severe than mania; symptoms include irritability, mood changes and mild euphoria that may not interfere with a patient's normal life. Cyclothymia, a mild form of bipolar disorder, also includes less severe manic and depressive symptoms. Some types of manic depression include rapidly changing mood swings, sometimes within hours, and people with mixed state bipolar disorder can have symptoms of both mania and depression at the same time.
