Manic Depression
From LoveToKnow Recovery
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, more than two million American adults have manic depression. Also known as bipolar disorder, this condition has no known cause. However, research has shown that the manic depression does tend to occur more frequently within families that have shown a history of mental illness.
Although bipolar disorder occurs equally in both genders, women with the condition are more prone to rapid mood swings. They may also experience more prolonged depressive episodes than male patients. Experts believe this can be attributed to differences in sex hormones and thyroid gland function.
Manic depression is closely linked to drug addiction and alcoholism. The condition is also quite common among those who suffer from anxiety disorders or seasonal depression.
Signs of Manic Depression
Manic depression is characterized by severe high and low moods. However, a person may experience normal moods in between manic or depressive episodes.
A manic episode is characterized by the following symptoms:
- An overly euphoric mood
- Racing thoughts
- Increased energy
- Restlessness
- Trouble concentrating on daily tasks
- Spending sprees, drug abuse, risky sexual behavior, or other signs of poor judgment
A depressive episode is characterized by the following symptoms:
- A prolonged sad or empty mood
- A general feeling of hopelessness
- Lack of energy
- Change in appetite or sleeping patterns
- Decreased interest in sex or other activities that were once enjoyable
- Chronic, unexplainable physical pains such as backaches or headaches
- Thoughts of suicide
Treatment Options
Manic depression requires the development of a long-term treatment program. It is a chronic condition that must be managed throughout the patient’s life. While prescription drugs are used as the primary form of treatment, psychotherapy is often recommended to help patients develop positive coping strategies.
Medication
Most people who suffer from manic depression take prescription mood stabilizers as well as medications for insomnia, anxiety, or agitation. Doctors who treat bipolar patients are hesitant to prescribe an antidepressant alone, since this can sometimes push a person into a manic state.
Lithium, sometimes known under the brand names Eskalith, Lithobid, or Lithonate, is the most common mood-stabilizing drug for people with manic depression. It begins to work within two weeks of the initial dose, although it can often take several months to achieve maximum effectiveness. Depakote, Tegretol, Lamictal, Neurontin, and Topamax are the most common anticonvulsant medications for bipolar patients.
Therapy
Therapy helps provide support and guidance to people suffering from manic depression. Several studies have shown that regular psychotherapy helps stabilize moods, reduce hospitalizations, and improve the overall quality of life among bipolar patients. Types of therapy used can include:
- Psychoeducation to recognize signs of relapse
- Cognitive behavioral therapy to change inappropriate thought patterns and behaviors
- Social rhythm therapy to help patients develop daily routines that protect against manic episodes
- Interpersonal therapy to improve relationships with others
- Family therapy to help family members learn to support a loved one in his/her recovery
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