Manic Depressive Disorder Explained
To begin with we will talk specifically about the manic depressive disorder phase of bipolar disorder. Manic depression disorder, (also known by the name of bipolar disorder I, bipolar II disorder or cyclothymia based upon the severity of the episodes encountered and their nature) is a type of affective disorder or mood swings that drastically change day by day. It has become a serious medical condition and an important health issue of concern within the United States. Research within the US states that about 1% of the population suffers from bipolar I, between 0.5% – 1% from bipolar II and between 2-5% for individuals who exhibit some (but not all of the symptoms. Manic depression is characterized by periodic episodes of extreme elevated mood or irritability (episodes that make up the mania) countered by periodic episodes of depressive symptoms.
For manic depressive disorder sufferers moods and emotions are in constant evolution and change. For most people these changes and emotional swings are framed within the limits of predictable situations more or less known, allowing them to exercise a degree of control over them. But apparently other people are unable to exercise some control and governance over their own emotions. Either for its duration, its intensity, its frequency or its apparent autonomy, these feelings are out of ones control with no apparent cause of bipolar. This interferes significantly in all areas of the patients life, reaching the category of disease, with potentially lethal consequences for their wellbeing. An abnormal and persistent elevated mood, expansive or irritability for at least one week will frame the patient’s diagnosis. During the period of mood disturbance, three or more of the following Bipolar 1 and Bipolar ii symptoms must persist so the health specialist can make an effective diagnosis:
- Inflated self-esteem or grandiosity.
- Decreased need for sleep (feels encouraged after only three hours of sleep).
- More talkative than usual.
- Distractibility (ie attention too easily drawn to unimportant external stimuli or inapplicable)
- Increase in goal-directed activity (social, work or school, or sexually) or psychomotor agitation
- Excessive involvement in pleasurable activities that have a high potential for painful consequences (compulsive shopping, sexual indiscretions, foolish business investments)
When episodes of mood disturbance are sufficiently severe to cause marked impairment in occupational functioning or daily activities or social relationships then, in these cases, hospitalization is necessary. This is to prevent damage for the patient himself or others, especially if psychotic symptoms are involved. This disease typically affects men more than women. Episodes of mania and depression have a strong recurring effect over the life of manic depression disorder patients.
While manic depressive disorder is a serious mental illness it is thankfully treatable. Any person who suffers from the depressive symptoms mentioned earlier or suspects that some episodes may be characteristic of this disease should seek a complete medical evaluation to rule out other mental or physical disorders that may resemble manic depression. Treating Bipolar disorder (both medication and bipolar alternative treatments) stabilize the depressive cycles and focus on the mood being experienced by the patient. The medication helps the person to maintain a stable emotional state of their manic depressive disorder to lead a more normal life.