Friday, May 17, 2013

Manic Depression - Signs and Symptoms


Manic depression refers to mood swings from overly high or manic to overly low or depressed. This illness is also referred to as bipolar disorder. It is a brain disorder that causes unusual changes in your moods, energy as well as your ability to function normally. Although this condition can start at any age, it normally begins in late adolescence. It affects people of all ages, races as well as men and women. Besides affecting your life as the sufferer, this condition can also devastate the lives of your immediate family members.

Symptoms of this disorder are classified as either manic or depressive episodes. A manic episode is diagnosed when an elevated mood occurs with three or other symptoms. This can happen on a daily basis, nearly every day or for a week or even longer. If your mood is irritable, four additional symptoms must be present.

A depressive episode is diagnosed when five or more of these symptoms are exhibited most of the day, nearly everyday or for a period of more than two weeks. In a mixed bipolar episode, you will manifest symptoms of both mania and depression at the same time. You could for example be very sad while feeling energized at the same time.

When you have this condition, you will also experience an increase in energy as well as a decreased need for sleep. Reduced attention span and impaired judgment are other symptoms. Causes of manic depression can be genetic, childhood precursors as well as life experiences and events. There are several pharmacological and psychotherapeutic techniques that treats this condition.

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