Manic Depression Symptoms - It's Time to Start Noticing

Manic depression or also referred to as bipolar disorder is often associated with a person who often suffers from mood swings and these mood changes can happen rapidly or gradually. This condition might not seem like a serious condition, but it actually is. If left untreated it may lead to hallucinations, grandiose delusions, psychosis, or paranoid rage - and at times it may even lead to a combination of any of these. The exact cause of manic depression is still unknown, though it is believed to be caused by some genetic factors or an imbalance of chemical transmitters in the brain.

Manic depression symptoms and the levels of severity vary among sufferers, consequently the condition can be very hard to detect. People often overlook these warning signs as a normal occurrence. However, there are a few symptoms common to all sufferers. Weight loss or decreased appetite, for example, can actually be a sign of bipolar disorder. On the other hand, a person suffering from this condition may develop a habit of overeating which can cause weight gain. They also tend to feel tired easily, as if they do not enough energy to do anything at all for no particular reason.

Do not take your sleepless nights lightly because insomnia can also be a symptom of depression. A feeling of restlessness and excessive irritability are also some of the common indications. A person suffering from manic depression may feel hopeless, pessimistic, somewhat worthless, anxious, and sad most of the times. As ironic as it sounds, he or she may even feel 'empty', devoid of any kind of emotion. Things can get even worse: thoughts of death or suicide can even occur on some sufferers, which sometimes lead to suicide attempts.

Many people start showing depression symptoms in their late teens, between the ages of 18 and 24. But generally, people under the age of 30 are at greater risk for developing this condition than older people. These symptoms tend to last up to two weeks, but if left untreated they can continue for over six months.

Fortunately, manic depression is treatable. On average, it takes about 2 years for a patient to recover from this condition. Treatments include psychological therapy as well as antidepressant medications. Many people are reluctant to take antidepressants, but it is necessary to take this medication if you want to treat your depression. When the symptoms are left untreated, they might lead to suicidal behaviours. Therefore it is very important for you to notice these symptoms in yourself or people around you and seek for medical help as soon as possible.