Manic depressive disorder, also known as bipolar disorder, is a disorder in which someone can experience mood swings that range from lows in depression to the highs of mania. People with manic depressive disorder may feel so low that they are depressed, sad and hopeless one time and then will switch to happiness and full of energy another. These mood swings can happen a couple times a year or they can happen couple times a day. With manic depressive disorder, both these feelings can happen at the same time. Medications and psychotherapy can help control manic depressive disorder when treatment is sought.
There are symptoms that you should look for when it comes to manic depressive disorder, whether it is someone you know or even yourself. These symptoms come in three different types and include the following.
Bipolar I: With bipolar I type, jobs, schools and relationships become difficult and can cause episodes that are severe and dangerous.
Bipolar II: This type is not as severe as the Bipolar I and does show people with irritability, elevated moods and a little change in their functions but they can still function in their everyday lives at work, school and relationships.
Cyclothemia: This is a mild type of manic depressive disorder and the highs and lows in the moods of people are not severe as with other manic depressive disorders.
Each person who has manic depressive disorder deals with it differently and each symptom may vary from person to person. Some people may have a more difficult time with the manic symptoms and others may have a more difficult time with the depression symptoms. When someone with manic depressive disorder has a mixed episode, it is because the depression and the manic symptoms occur together. When someone has the manic phase of manic depressive disorder, symptoms will include; Extreme optimism, racing thoughts, rapid speech, poor judgment, increase physical activity, inflated self esteem, behavior that is risky, euphoria, increased sex drive, careless use of alcohol and drugs, decreased need to sleep, agitation or irritation, psychosis, performance at work and school become poor, frequently missed days from school and work and spending sprees. These are to just name a few.
With the depressive phase of manic depressive disorder, you will get symptoms of; tiredness, low or increased appetite, concentration problems, irritability, chronic pain without a known cause, anxiety, guilty feelings, hopelessness, suicidal thoughts or behaviors, sadness, sleep problems, and poor performance and absences from work or school.
If any of these symptoms are present, it is time to seek a doctor to get the necessary help and treatment. These symptoms will not go away and they will not get any better unless professional help is sought. Getting help from a mental doctor who specializes in manic depressive disorder will help you get control of the situation. Many people with these symptoms and who have manic depressive disorder, do no realize how much it affects the people around them and how it affects their everyday life. If someone is having suicidal thoughts, it is time to call a doctor, call a suicidal hotline or a friend or family member to get help as soon as possible.
