Manic Depression Symptoms
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Statistics from The National Institute of Mental Health indicate, over 2 million U.S. adults suffer from bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression), a condition of the brain which causes severe mood swings ranging from extreme highs to debilitating lows. Bipolar can be a very damaging illness if left untreated, resulting in failed relationships, difficulty working, bipolar disability, or in extreme cases, even suicide. Bipolar disorder can sometimes be difficult to recognize or diagnose. In fact, many people suffer needlessly for years until they are properly diagnosed. A milder level of mania (called hypomania) may feel good to the person experiencing it because they are feel highly functional and productive. They will sometimes deny anything is wrong and fail to seek treatment, leaving them vulnerable to possibly more severe episodes of mania and eventual depression. Bipolar disorder may also go unrecognized because unusual behaviors may be attributed to other problems such as another illness, drug abuse, relationship problems, or trouble at school or work.
Symptoms of a manic episode might include:
1. Excessive energy, activity, restlessness, racing thoughts and rapid talking
2. Denial that anything is wrong
3. Extreme “high” or euphoric feelings
4. Easily irritated or distracted
5. Decreased need for sleep
6. Unrealistic beliefs in one’s ability and powers
7. Feelings of exaggerated confidence or unwarranted optimism
8. Uncharacteristically poor judgment
9. Sustained period of behavior that is different from usual
10. Unusual sexual drive
11. Abuse of drugs, particularly cocaine, alcohol or sleeping medications
12. Provoking, intrusive, or aggressive behavior
An episode of depression may include these symptoms:
1. Persistent feelings of sadness, anxiousness, or emptiness
2. Sleeping too much or too little, middle-of-the-night or early morning waking
3. Reduced appetite and weight loss or increased appetite and weight gain
4. Loss of interest or pleasure in activities, including sex
5. Irritability or restlessness
6. Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions
7. Fatigue or loss of energy
8. Persistent physical symptoms that don’t respond to treatment (such as chronic pain or digestive disorders)
9. Thoughts of death or suicide, including suicide attempts
10. Feeling guilty, hopeless or worthless
While research is ongoing, scientists have not yet determined the exact cause of bipolar disorder and speculate there may be multiple factors contributing the illness. Recently, a genetic connection was established. However, bipolar illness cannot be diagnosed through blood tests or brain scans so determination of the disorder is based on symptoms, the course of the illness, and even family history. To this date there is no cure and, although bipolar disorder is a life-long illness, people with a diagnosis can lead healthy and productive lives with proper treatment and management.
Should you suspect a person has bipolar disorder, the first step is to seek help from a qualified mental health professional. A course of consistent treatment including medication and therapy, open and honest communication with the doctor, and a supportive environment including family, friends, and support groups, will all assist people with bipolar disorder in managing their illness and maintaining a high quality of life.
There is a self-help resource for bipolar disorder sufferers who are unable to hold down a job due to their condition: “Bipolar’s Guide to Winning Social Security Disability Benefits”. For info, go to: www.winbipolardisabilitybenefits.com
For further indepth information see Depression Resources Reviewed
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