Manic Depression

Have you encountered a person undergoing extreme mood swings, or sudden behavioral changes? The person is suffering from bipolar disorder or manic depression. These sudden mood swings can last for hours, days, weeks or even months. Bipolar disorder or manic depression results in quite distinct mood fluctuations that, once traced and analyzed, can be anticipated.

You are in depression when you deviate yourself from your normal activities. Your zest for life gets a backseat because of depression. There is a tendency to isolate oneself from the external environment and develop this strange behavior, which highlights your lack of confidence. Always remember that when you are in depression, others are also affected by the rough patches in your life.

Bipolar disorder or manic depression is not restricted to any particular age group. Though bipolar disorders usually start during late adolescence or early adulthood, they can also affect children or elderly people. This form of manic depression is not restricted to a particular sex, i.e. male or female, or to a particular race or class. It must be however notified, that manifestations of bipolar disorder or manic depression is different in men and women.

Once diagnosed, bipolar disorder or manic depression can be treated under proper medication and consultation with medical experts. Usually, bipolar disorder or manic depression is associated with certain general types of mood swings, namely, hypomanic episode, a major depressive episode, and a mixed episode.

Bipolar disorders or manic depression can be either categorized under Bipolar I disorder or Bipolar II disorder. Bipolar I disorder is characterized by elevated moods for at least a week, talkativeness, decreased need of sleep, flight of ideas, and so on. Bipolar II category, on the other hand, is characterized by depressive mood behavior with at least one hypomanic episode. The second disorder seriously hampers the social life of the patient because of erratic mood changes.

Bipolar disorders or manic depression are usually indescribable and are no instant cure for the illness. Such forms of depression can go on for hours, weeks or months if left untreated. It is always advisable to consult the doctor immediately if sudden changes in mood occur. Bipolar disorders or manic depression can always be treated with proper medications and therapy. But never leave it untreated because it worsens a person's mental and physical condition to a great extent.

Always remember, more than doctors, it is the family and friends of the patient who help him or her in overcoming the problem. Always encourage him or her to seek the help and care of a psychiatrist immediately