Manic Depression Symptoms - Bipolar Disorder

Manic depression, or Bipolar Disorder, is a condition that approximately 1% of the population will experience at some point in their lives. Manic depressions symptoms are characterized by rapid mood swings from a feeling of total, severe depression, to a feeling of elevated elation that is also known as “mania”.

The number of attacks or “episodes” as they are sometimes called varies from person to person, as does their severity. There are many different individual symptoms that present themselves in both phases of the condition.

In the high elation phase of the illness, the following manic depression symptoms may be observed:

Surges of energy, and an increase in both activity and/or restlessness
Periods of feeling elated, euphoric and overly positive
Periods when concentration is difficult
Thoughts skipping from one topic to another, and bouts of talking rapidly.
Hyper activity with little or no sleep needed
Shopping sprees
Impaired judgement capability
Feeling of invincibility and omnipotence
Bad temper
Prone to anti-social behaviour
Misuse of drugs and alcohol
Avoidance of truths
Prolonged periods of unusual behaviour

In the depressive phase of the condition, here are the manic depression symptoms that are frequently observed:

Prolonged feelings of misery and discontent
Inability to maintain interest in anything
Inability to enjoy anything
Impaired decision making capability
Variation to appetite
Gaining or losing weight
Falling asleep readily, or insomnia
An aversion to sex
Becoming agitated or impatient
Fatigue
Feeling of low self esteem
Feelings of extreme apprehension
Tendencies to shun company
Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
Inability to function normally or to adhere to normal routines

If you recognize any of these manic depression symptoms in anyone you know, you should immediately seek medical help or direct them to get immediate medical help for themselves; but please be aware that they may not accept your advice and may be self deluding.

Treatment of manic depression symptoms can take one of two routes. There are therapeutic treatments via a doctor, councillor or psychiatrist, and there are medical treatments with a course of drugs for counteracting both the depressive periods, and the elevated episodes. Often it is necessary to employ both the medical and the psychological approaches.

In the worst case scenarios, where sufferers are experiencing severe manic depression symptoms, it may be necessary to hospitalize them for their own safety and protection. During severe attacks of bipolar disorder, mood stabilizing drugs such as: Lithium, Sodium Valproate, Carbamazepine, and Olanzapine (Zyprexa), are given.

These same drugs are often administered as a longer term preventative course of action, the aim of which is to try and prevent fresh bouts of depression from starting. As regards Lithium treatment, because of the nature of the substance, regular blood checks should be carried out to ensure that there is no harmful build up of Lithium taking place in the bloodstream.

People who suffer from manic depression symptoms may only ever have one or two episodes and then totally recover and suffer no more bouts thereafter. However, for many people it is a much more serious, prolonged and somewhat sinister condition. Whilst the condition itself is not life threatening, many incidents of suicide are reported each year.

Please be watchful, and if you suspect you know of anyone who may be suffering from bipolar disorder, inform the medical authorities.

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