‘Manic Depression’, or ‘Bipolar Disorder’, is thought to be one of the most severe kinds of depression people usually suffer from. It is characterized by sudden and extreme mood swings. Manic depression is so-called because manic refers to ‘mania’, which means the ‘ups’ while depression refers to the ‘downs’. Bi-polar also refers to both ends of the spectrum of emotions

A lot of people experience erratic changes in their moods and, sometimes, these so-called mood swings are not just caused by PMS (pre-menstrual syndrome) or stress. Doctors have diagnosed mood swings as a common symptom of depression, when these mood swings are extreme. For example, if someone becomes annoyed because a shop does not have his favourite biscuits, it may just a sign of a spoilt childhood, but when getting annoyed means that person will shout and swear at the shop keeper, it may be the start of Manic Depression.

The ‘manic’ times or ‘ups’ in Manic Depression are described as the times when a person suffering from Manic Depression experiences excessively high periods, consisting of heightened energy, sudden outbursts of euphoric mood, extreme irritability, together with racing thoughts and aggressive behaviour. According to therapists, someone suffering from Manic Depression may have these so-called manic ‘periods’ not just for a day or so, they can actually go on for as long as a week or even longer than that.

During these ‘low’ or ‘down’ periods, people suffering from Manic Depression may experience very similar symptoms to those who are suffering from ‘normal’ depression. People who are suffering from Manic Depression experience episodes showing a depressed state of mind - including feelings of lack of self worth and being unloved.

There are various other symptoms too: irrational guilt, severe sadness, anxiety attacks, feeling of not belonging, extreme gloom and an obvious lack of pleasure. According to therapists, anyone who is depressed constantly for more than a week can be officially diagnosed as a Manic Depressive.

Despite it being one of the most common and severe sorts of depressive disorder, Manic Depression can actually be treated, according to doctors. There’s no reason to worry too much about having it, just follow the procedures that the therapist gives you and take the prescribed medication in the proper dosage in order to help you (or your friend or love one) overcome Manic Depression before it becomes too late.

Furthermore, people who suffer from Manic Depression should visit their therapists on a regular basis, so as to be able to release their pent up emotions to someone who can interpret just what it is they are going through a lot better than an untrained person.

Although positive results for Manic Depression can be obtained from natural alternatives, a much more lasting relief from the symptoms of Manic Depressive can best be acquired through consultation with a cognitive behaviour therapist. Contrary to some thought, when it comes to psychiatric treatments, psychiatrists, preferably those specializing in cognitive behaviour therapy, are still the best ones to visit for a permanent cure for Manic Depression.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, October 14th, 2009 at 6:26 am and is filed under Medicine. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.