Manic Depression – Treatment. What is it?

What is manic depression? Usually associated with extreme changes in mood. We mean not usual ebb and flow, but changes from severe depression to mania. People suffering from this disorder often loose contact with reality.   Today this mental disorder is called bipolar disorder, but earlier it was called on manic depression definition. It is a serious medical condition, which is associated with hallucinations, sleeplessness and paranoid delusion. This disorder can occur any time and affect any person.

Symptoms and causes of manic depression

There are different causes of this mental illness. Here are some of the most common causes: personal problems such as bereavement or divorce, stressful life, childhood rejection, persistent anxiety, family environment and even genetics.

As it was told earlier, people suffering from manic depression can loose contact with reality, they can have paranoid delusion, abnormal exultation or irritability, increased volume or speed of talking, insomnia, increased sexual appetite, misjudgments. Their social behaviour is abnormal. People imagine themselves as famous and outstanding persons. In case of the manic phase, people may feel euphoric and excitable. They also may loose social inhibition and make wild schemes.

When does manic depression usually occur?

This disorder usually occurs in young people whose age is between 15 and 24 years old and persists through life.  It rarely occurs in children and old people. People having severe mania or depression should be hospitalized. Being untreated, manic depression tends to be recurrent.

What are the ways of manic depression treatment?

Antidepressants, mood stabilizers (for example, lithium) and stimulants are usually used for treatment of this mental illness. Mood is also stabilized with benzodiazepines, antipsychotics and anticonvulsants.  During mania periods, people sometimes take anti-psychotic drugs. This anxiety medication relieves symptoms of mania, but it has some undesirable side effect. Physical activity (walking, swimming or some sports) is one more way of manic depression treatment. It stimulates production of endorphins in brain. Anyway, before starting treatment and any medications taking, it is necessary to see a doctor. Do not take any medications without the doctor’s prescription.