A Little of Manic-depressive Disorder

Manic-depressive illness as we commonly address bipolar disorder, is a psychiatric condition that causes odd changes in a person’s mood, energy, and ability to function. The characteristics of a person having this disorder are very different from a normal person’s emotion of happiness and sadness (ups and downs). The reasons of developing a bipolar disorder is multi factoral; genetic, ability to cope stress, are just but many to consider.The symptoms are severe and it should be presented with one or more mood episodes, at least one of which is manic, hypomanic or mixed state.

Signs and symptoms of mania (or a manic episode) include:

Increased energy, activity, and restlessness

Excessively “high,” overly good, euphoric mood

Extreme irritability

Racing thoughts and talking very fast, jumping from one idea to another

Distractibility, can’t concentrate well

Little sleep needed

Unrealistic beliefs in one’s abilities and powers

Poor judgment

Spending sprees

A lasting period of behavior that is different from usual

Increased sexual drive

Abuse of drugs, particularly cocaine, alcohol, and sleeping medications

Provocative, intrusive, or aggressive behavior

Denial that anything is wrong

A manic episode is diagnosed if elevated mood occurs with three or more of the other symptoms most of the day, nearly every day, for 1 week or longer. If the mood is irritable, four additional symptoms must be present.[...]

Signs and symptoms of depression (or a depressive episode) include: Lasting sad, anxious, or empty mood

Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism

Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness

Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed, including sex

Decreased energy, a feeling of fatigue or of being “slowed down”

Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions

Restlessness or irritability

Sleeping too much, or can’t sleep

Change in appetite and/or unintended weight loss or gain

Chronic pain or other persistent bodily symptoms that are not caused by physical illness or injury

Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts

Treatment:

Bipolar disorder usually respond with psychotherapy like:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Family/Marriage Counseling, Gestalt Therapy Group Therapy Psychoanalytic Therapy

Pharmacological intervention such as:

Anti-Anxiety and Sedatives, Antidepressants, Antipsychotics, Mood Stabilizers Calcium Channel Blockers

There are a lot of types, differential diagnosis, treatment regimens, studies about Bipolar disorder more than these. Search the Internet if you want to know deeper this kind of brain disorder.