Manic Depression

Many artists, writers and musician have suffered from the mood swings of manic depression. Therefore there is a tendency to romanticize this mental disorder. But the truth is it has ruined many lives and without proper treatment, there is a high risk of suicide.

What Is Manic Depression?

Manic Depression, also known as bipolar disorder, is a severe mental illness that causes extreme mood swings and sudden changes in energy and functioning. Both men and women have the same chance to develop it, usually during adolescence or early adulthood.

It has three episodes: depression, mania and mixed manic depression state. Symptoms may become more and more frequent, often interfering with work, school or social life.

Manic Depression Symptoms

Depression

Depression episodes include symptoms such as

• persistent sad mood,
• decreased interest and pleasure in activities that were once enjoyed,
• changes in appetite and body weight,
• sleep disorders,
• physical agitation or retardation 
• exaggerated preoccupation with suicide and death.

Mania

Mania symptoms include unusually high mood or irritability, combined with three or more of the following symptoms:

• exaggerated self-esteem
• decreased need for sleep
• excessive talkativeness
• racing thoughts
• increased goal-directed activities (e.g.,shopping)
• involvement in risky activities

Mixed State: Manic Depression

Symptoms of both mania and depression are experienced the same time. The most common ones are

• agitation,
• sleeping disorders,
• appetite changes,
• psychosis 
• suicidal thoughts.

Depressed moods are mixed with manic activation.

While at first the manic depressed person may have periods with few or no symptoms, the number of episodes increases in time. In severe cases, the patient has psychosis symptoms as well, such as hallucinations or delusions.

Manic Depression Treatment

Several medications are used to treat manic depression, but sometimes the symptoms are not completely eliminated. Certain forms of psychotherapy accompanied with medication have proved very efficient. Therapies include cognitive behavioral, interpersonal. social rhythm and family therapy, as well as psychoeducation.

Lithium has been used for a very long time and has a highly effective mood-stabilization action for many patients suffering from manic depression.

Alternative medication for lithium includes anticonvulsant medications, such as valproate and carbamazepine. Other treatments, such as lamotrigine, topiramate or gabapentrin are currently being tested for efficacy in dealing with manic depression symptoms.

Depressive episodes often require additional antidepressant medication along with anticonvulsant treatments. Lithium or anticonvulsant medicines are prescribed together with antidepressants to prevent a sudden switch into mania or rapid cycling. Several antidepressants are being currently tested to compare their efficacy.

There are also some cases when newer drugs, such as olanzapine or clozapine can help reduce severe manic depression symptoms and prevent the recurrence of mania.

Researchers are still studying the efficacy and safety of atypical antipsychotics as persistent treatment for bipolar disorder.