The Importance of Identifying Manic Depression Symptoms

Manic depression or bipolar disorder is a chronic condition that affects many people around the world. This condition affects not just the life of the person suffering from such a condition, but the lives of the people that surrounds him/her as well. An individual with bipolar disorder loses interest in the things he/she gets joy from and are often unable to do his/her daily activities. The good news is that, today, this condition can be controlled through treatments or medications. The success of treatments for such disorders, however, depends largely on early diagnosis of this condition. This process involves identifying manic depression symptoms exhibited by the individual thought to be suffering from such disorder.

While early detection of the condition plays a major role in keeping the condition from getting worse and in helping the person who is suffering from the illness have a normal life, it is crucial to know the signs and symptoms of manic disorder. Although the degree of depression symptoms exhibited by the person depend largely on his/her personality, the common symptoms include mood swings and shifts in activity levels. These mood swings usually last for months, causing trouble to the lives of the people that surround the person with manic disorder as well. These mood swings or alternating pattern of level of emotions vary depending on the stage of his/her condition and his mental phase. Although there is no single cause of this condition has been identified yet, studies suggest this illness can be triggered by external or environmental factors, such as career, family or work issues or problems; or internal or genetic factors.

When the person suffering from such condition experiences the manic phase, among the symptoms he/she would exhibit include high self-esteem, rapid thoughts and speech, poor judgment, optimism, euphoria, aggressiveness, high energy levels, and difficulty in sleeping. At the other end of the mood spectrum, the person exhibits anxiety, guilt, sadness, helplessness, fatigue, hopelessness, lack of energy and interest in the activities he normally enjoys, suicidal tendencies, and chronic pain. These are among the manic depression symptoms the person exhibits when he/she is in the depressive state.

The symptoms of this condition also affect the appearance of the individual suffering from this condition. And depending on the individual's personality and the stage of his/her depression, the period of time he/she exhibits these symptoms could last months. The intervals between depression episodes also vary. Some people suffering from such condition exhibit a predictable pattern of manic depression symptoms, while others show no indications. Treatments or medications to administer also depend largely on the type of symptoms and the level or intensity of the symptoms exhibited by the individual.

It is important to take note that having manic depression is actually not a hindrance to a productive and happy life. Anyone with this condition can still live a normal life especially if it is diagnosed at the early stage. It is, thus, important for anyone experiencing manic depression symptoms to consult a physician to determine whether he/she is already suffering from the condition. This should help prevent the condition from getting worse.