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Manic Depression
Manic depression is a type of depressive disease characterized by alternating moods of abnormal highs referred to as mania and lows which we all know as depression. It is also called bipolar disease because of the mood swings. Sometimes the mood swings are fast and dramatic and sometimes they are gradual.
Manic depression may start at any age although it usually begins during late adolescence. There also appears a connection to genetic links which means it can run in the family. Manic depression does not just affect the person suffering from the condition but has the potentially devastating effect on his immediate family and those that are constantly in contact with him. Mania can actually affect a person’s thinking, judgment and behavior that may sometimes result to serious problems. For example, a person can make quick unwise financial decisions during a manic episode. The person’s extreme talkativeness and feelings of high intelligence and importance can also cause embarrassment. Manic and depressive periods could last for a few hours or a few days. Some people also experience brief periods of intense moods but are not aware that what they experience is already manic depression. A person suffering from manic episode experiences extreme happiness, hyperactivity, difficulty sleeping and racing of thoughts which can result to rapid speech. During a depressive episode, this can be seen as extreme sadness, an inability to enjoy pleasurable normal activities, lack of interest or energy in things, feelings of helplessness and even hopelessness.Manic depression is recurrent which means that 90% of individuals that experience a single manic episode can again have future episodes.
There are about 70% of manic episodes that will occur immediately after or before a depressive episode. Often the experience is likened to a rollercoaster ride. The cycling up and down in between these strong emotions can keep the person from experiencing a normal life. Treatments for manic depression will reduce the feeling of mania and depression and restore balance to the moods the person is going through.It wouldn’t be hard to know what triggers an episode of manic depression because of its recurrent pattern.
Doctors will prescribe medication known as mood stabilizers. Thyroid levels should also be monitored because people with manic depression will have abnormal thyroid functions. Spotting relapses will be vital to the success of the treatment. While undergoing treatment, it is important for the patient to have adequate amount of sleep and regular sleep times.
